El Hondo Natural Park faces avian botulism outbreak

The environmental group Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA) has requested information from the Ministry of Environment regarding an avian botulism outbreak in El Hondo Natural Park. The group reports a significant mortality rate among aquatic birds over several weeks due to the infectious disease.

AHSA is seeking specific data on the number and species of birds collected, as well as the exact locations within the park where they were found. The group noted that the outbreak appears particularly concentrated in the Poniente reservoir sector.

To control such outbreaks, environmental protocols typically include the removal of animal carcasses to prevent further toxin spread through invertebrates, such as fly larvae. Other mitigation measures include the temporary, localized drying of wetlands, especially during hot summer months when the risk is higher.