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Whitby Free Press, WedinesdaY. March 31,1993. Page 9 arI3.eddkfock ndlagenbers on Làai B.,IILUI Al Lll'.fDiJA £4i'A A'p A duck found on a beach in Whitby harbour last week is the first case of botulism poisoning handled by the Avicare Bird Rehabilitation Centre since sum- mer last year. Hilary Pittel, director of the centre et RR4 Bowmanville, says the partially paralyzed female black duck was saved in time and will be released shortly. She says that although it may be an isol ated case, anyone walk- ing the beach in Whitby in the next few weeks should be on the lookout for iii, dying or dead birds. "..the potentiel exists for a severe outbreak which could affect many species from water- fowl to shorebirds,» says Pittel. Botulism is often equated with improperly canned preserves. But in this case, says Pittel, the bacteria exists neturally in the environmen t. "Usually it multiplies in the Mayor to address chamber on Thursday The Whitby Chamber of Commerce will host the second annuel Meyor's Luncheon on April 1 at Heydenshore Pavilion in Whitby. "Much has been happening et the local level that members of the Chamber of Commerce should get first-hand from our mayer," says Jim Ellis, president of the Chamber of Commerce. 'Wé have started the tradition ofyeýýIly accountings by the chief executive of Whitby, it's a great opportùnity for chamber inemn- bers ana1 our local government te, get to know each other better and for our members to farniliarize themselves with the local issues." The event is scheduled for n<?en. Tickets are $26.75 for members and $37.45 for non- members. Contact the Whitby chember for more details et 666-4506. warm water of mid-summer, However, this cen occur year- round." During reproduction, the bac- teria (colstriiiidium botulinum) produces a toxin that is inedver- tently consumed by birds as they feed. Once ingested the toxin quicky affects the central nerv- eus ystem. "C nratritcaly, the birds first lose control of their legs, thon wings, necks and, lestly, control of their lunge which causes deeth.» Flies which are attracted ta, the beached cercess multiply on the flesh. The maggots are im- mune te the toxin and help te, decempose the body. Many shore and water birds love toeat the maggots and are poisoned themselves, thus con- tinuing the cycle. Pittel says Avicare has recei- ved many calîs in previeus sum- mers about birds similarly effec- ted. Cases were admitted from along the shoreline stretching from Scarborough te Whitby. "Top stop the propagation of this cycle, an immediate clan-up of the boaches was necessary te, remove the carcasses. Meny volunteers assisted te prevent further casualties.» Pittel notes that spring mig- ration has begun, and ducks See us for your party platter needs! TAE O T*rieIibRos VEL UTES OR $199lb-$.S-k See us for your party platter needs! Ontario te, feed and rest on their way further north. Anyone finding an ill bird cen place it in a towel-lined card- board box and transport it te, Avicare. Carcasses en'ould be picked up using rubber gloves. Bag containing dead birds should be double-bagred, sealed properly and deliverte Picker- ing-Ajax-Whitby (PAW) Animal in Whfitby. "Taking a ba g with you duriig your walks is an excellent habit, says Pittel. r"You can pick up plastic six- pack rings, discared monofila- ment 181shing line and other gar- bage which foul the beaches and cen cause injury to wildlife. 'Your efforts cen make a dif- férence." Codcana a Cam 401 Reynolds St., Whfitby Ages 6 to 14 Years Monday to Friday June 28 to July 30 t. 9am to 4pm d%b A u - $90 er cCK wtoiafiiij mm Activities include: Swimming, Tennis (Recreational Instruction), Arts and Cr4lis, Computersfor Funl and Learing, Sports, Music, Drama, Critical Thinldng Games and Much More Extended camp hours 8am-9am, 4pm-6pm $20 exsra per week per child Bring yor own lunch - Juice and snack wili be provided. TO PRE-REGISTER PLEASE CALL 668-3358 mma 1 i ---- -1-