Botulism May Be The Reason Why Ducks Are Dying In Beach Haven West Lagoons

Botulism may be the culprit in the brackish water of Beach Haven West lagoons, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

"Botulism lives in stagnant waters," Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman told The Sandpaper. "Botulism grows in confined spaces with low oxygen."

Runoff from recent rains and torrid temperatures and the low water velocity in lagoons may have contributed to the problem, he said.

Dead ducks pulled from the lagoon waters will be evaluated. But the DEP won't have the water sampling results taken on Thursday back for about a week. But the ban on swimming in the affected lagoons continues.

However, the DEP's Marine Water division found no chemicals in the lagoon waters, although the water quality was degraded, Hajna said.

“We’re running tests and getting confirmation,“ he said. “People should swim on public beaches where the water is monitored and where there are lifeguards.“ D

Dead ducks were found floating in the lagoon water on Thursday.

Anyone who comes across sick, dead or dying wildlife should call local animal control or the health department, said Brian Lippai, public information officer for the Ocean County Board of Health. Under no circumstances should the public be handling diseased, dead or dying animals.

“Common sense dictates that you don’t approach or handle a sickly animal,” he said, “as much as you want to help. It creates a chain reaction.”

Photo: Beach Haven West Civic Association