Residents in Gilbert and parts of the East Valley have reported a troubling sight: numerous dead ducks turning up in local waters. In Gilbert's Morrison Ranch neighborhood, community ponds have become the final resting place for several birds, a situation that has the locals worried and looking for answers. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is investigating the incident and initially suspects avian botulism might be the culprit. "We suspect something called avian botulism," Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, a wildlife veterinarian with AZGFD, told the publication.
The concerns have spread beyond the neighborhood ponds as more than 30 ducks were discovered dead in the Consolidated Canal near Cooper Road and Chandler Boulevard, all of this information based on observations brought forth by an ABC15 viewer. ABC15 relayed the viewer's concern, noting that the Salt River Project (SRP), which manages the canal's water, is monitoring for pollutants yet has found none that would explain the deaths, SRP claims to be aware of the happens and mentioned, "SRP monitors the water in our canals for various pollutants and have found nothing unusual in the area."
There's a particular tension that arises from these occurrences, given that these water sources are part of a broader ecosystem that feeds into the local water supply. Although the AZGFD clearly states avian botulism doesn’t pose a risk to humans or pets, the presence of deceased wildlife in communal waters presents a disturbing visual and potentially points to larger environmental hazards. Residents who come across deceased birds are urged to contact the AZGFD or Gilbert’s park rangers, according to the instructions outlined by FOX 10 Phoenix.
In response to the dire findings, SRP has begun addressing the issue and has received material from Arizona Game and Fish on how to manage the situation, their management of the situation includes a pre-treatment process involving the removal of large debris such as dead birds, twigs, and fish prior to water treatment according to statements obtained by ABC15. The City of Chandler has also been made aware of the issue and reassures that the water in question has not yet been treated by their plants. Once treated, this water never returns to the canals, ensuring what is distributed to residents remains unaffected by such events.
