The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development has received results of the water samples from the Kamfers Dam which were submitted for analysis.
Kamfers Dam water samples results released
The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development has received results of the water samples from the Kamfers Dam which were submitted for analysis.
The laboratory analysis indicates that no clostridium was present in the water samples.
This comes after MEC Mase Manopole sent a team of scientists and veterinarians from the Department to the dam, to determine what could have been the cause of the deaths.
“With the assistance of the local mining company, Ekapa, the water and tissue samples were taken for laboratory analysis – so far only water analysis results were received.
“Further tissue samples will be collected and submitted for analysis to have a complete picture of what could have been the course of the mortalities.
“At the moment, it is suspected that the cause of death could be avian botulism,” said the MEC.
This week, five more water birds were found dead at the dam, which has brought the number of mortalities to thirty-five (35).
The dam is known as the home to the lesser flamingos, however, no reports have been received on the death of flamingos at this stage.
The MEC is calling on the members of the public not to consume meat from the bird carcasses, as it might may have detrimental health impacts.
In addition, the MEC further caution the public on the following:
• Not to handle the dead waterbird with bare hands,
• Never allow their pets to eat dead waterbirds and
• Not harvest water birds that appear to be sick or dying
The Department will continue to collect and incinerate the dead waterbirds to prevent and minimize waterbird mortalities. Furthermore, we will continue monitoring the situation at Kamfers Dam.
