Laboratory results points to high iron concentrations as possible cause for waterbird mortalities.
The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development has received the laboratory results of the tissue samples which were collected following waterbird mortalities at Kamfersdam. The report comes after MEC Mase Manopole sanctioned a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and veterinarians to investigate the cause of these waterbird mortalities.
The laboratory results confirm that avian botulism was not the cause of the mortalities since no traces of clostridium bacteria was found. However, it is thought that the mortalities are linked to the high concentrations of metals such as iron and zinc. Environmental mineral levels and interactions are complicated concepts that depends on a number of factors, however, the high iron levels are regarded as a cause of concern.
Iron is known for binding copper and selenium and may therefore make these minerals unavailable to animals such as waterbirds. These minerals are vital for a healthy immune system so, when these minerals are deficient, animals may become immunosuppressed and more susceptible to secondary infections.
The report further suggested that an in-depth evaluation of the entire water system, including the impact of raw and partially treated sewage from Homevale wastewater treatment works, be conducted by an environmental toxicologist, to determine the significance and effects of the high iron levels.
Such investigation is particularly important since Kamfers Dam is one of eleven Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in the Northern Cape.
In addition, supporting probably the largest permanent population of lesser flamingos in Southern Africa, as well as, at least 63 waterbird species.
The MEC is encouraging all stakeholders and members of public having an interest in Kamfersdam to continue collaborative monitoring efforts and conservation initiatives to improve the status of this IBA
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