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Urgent Warning: Avoid Bristol Park Lake Amid Outbreak
18 Aug
Summary
- Investigation into suspected botulism outbreak ongoing at Bristol's St George's Park lake.
- Public urged to avoid contact with sick animals and the park's water.
- Council advises against touching animals and letting dogs near or in the water.
An investigation has been launched by Bristol City Council into a suspected botulism outbreak at St George's Park lake. Residents have expressed deep concern and distress over the number of animals reportedly falling sick or dying. Botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by bacteria, can paralyze and kill both animals and humans.
The council is urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Key advice includes not touching sick, injured, or deceased animals, keeping dogs on leads near the lake, and preventing them from entering the water. Furthermore, people are advised to avoid contact with the water itself where possible.
Local volunteers, such as Bath Swan Rescue, are providing voluntary support to affected wildlife and are under significant pressure. Residents are also concerned that a reported broken aerator in the lake may be contributing to environmental conditions conducive to botulism, calling for urgent investigation into this possibility.
