Spur-winged goose poisoned by crop sprays
KYALAMI– A Spur-winged narrowly escapes death.
A Kyalami resident found a male spur-winged goose (plectropterus gambensis) which was in obvious trouble, on their property.
Nicci Wright, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist at Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Glenferness said the goose was unable to move and was diagnosed with organophosphate toxicity. “Geese love grazing on fertilised grass and it happens that they bump into crops that were sprayed with pesticides hence we believe that the goose ingested the poison used on crops,” she said.
“The poison causes paralysis and bradycardia [a very slow heart rate] and often results in death.”
Wright added that the bird had been in their care for close to a month and fortunately made a full recovery. “An old wound on his toe had to be surgically debrided [remove damaged tissue] and given time to heal after which he was ringed and released.
“It is very important for community members to report any incidents regarding wildlife to us but these incidents need to be an emergency. We will try out best to come and retrieve the animal.”
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