The CLLMM RC were fortunate to be visited from the 2 Birders 2 Bikes duo, Cezary (19) and Leo (18) who are cycling across the country to raise money for a new school in Timor Leste. They are birdwatching as they travel and aim to see 700 Australian bird species.
To learn more about their cause and keep update to date click below.
Current stats so far (31/10/2024) Dollars raised $119k
KM's Travelled 13,500
Species Spotted 633
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/twobirderstwobikes/
If you have ever wanted to know what future water quality across the region will be, now is your chance!
Researchers from the U.S.-based Virginia Tech Center for Ecosystem Forecasting, in collaboration with various universities, have advanced water quality modelling to predict Lake Alexandrina's conditions up to 35 days ahead. This project will enhance regional water management and inform community decisions. The CLLMM Research Centre invites you to discuss these methods and forecasts, seeking your input on their development based on local insights. Read more>
Date: Wednesday 13 November 2024
Time: 9:30 - 11:00am
Venue: CLLMM Research Centre, Level 1/92 Barrage Rd, Goolwa South, SA 5214
Avian cholera is a significant infectious disease that has impacted waterbirds globally. In Australia, it has only been recorded in two wild waterbird populations in Victoria in 2013 (it is known from poultry farms across Australia), before an outbreak was detected in Coorong in 2024. The Research Centre supported the 4th year research project of The University of Adelaide veterinary students Long Yin Cheung (Cyrus) and Tik Yan Lim (Didi). Through the second half of 2024, Didi and Cyrus documented the outbreak through discussions with stakeholders relevant to the outbreak, including from management agencies, the local community, First Nations and wildlife disease and epidemiological experts and visits to the region. The outbreak was first detected on the 9th January 2024 by local stakeholders and continued until approximately 24th March 2024. It was estimated that between 500 to 1200 birds across 13 species (including Grey Teal, Australian Shelduck and Black Swan) died during the outbreak, which was mainly observed across a four kilometre stretch of the North Lagoon of the Coorong in the vicinity of Pelican Point. Whilst cause of death from gross pathology and histopathology for a sample of waterbirds obtained from the outbreak was unclear, molecular analyses determined that the bacterial agent that causes avian cholera, Pasteurella multocida, was present in isolate samples from waterbirds. The Coorong P. multocida isolates were consistent with previously sequenced isolates from the 2013 outbreaks (and poultry farms). The outbreak emphasised the need to implement preventative measures and raise public awareness to help manage outbreaks that may occur in the future.
This is particularly critical as avian influenza now threatens wild populations of waterbirds across Australia ,including the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth CLLMM) region. Surveillance will be critical to manage any future outbreaks of bird diseases (such as avian cholera or avian influenza), so if you observe any sick or dead waterbirds in the region, please call the Australia's Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
The project represented a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the avian cholera outbreak whilst providing Cyrus and Didi with the chance to connect with key stakeholders and the region. The CLLMM RC is grateful for the generous support from stakeholders that was provided to the students. They have just submitted their research project manuscript and delivery through project presentation and now are tackling 4th year exams. We wish them success with the final two years of their Veterinary degree.
Photos - Left to right: An abundance of waterbirds that have returned to the location of the 2024 Avian Cholera outbreak (Nick Whiterod), Wildlife disease expert Pam Whiteley (University of Melbourne) and Ngarrindjeri Lands & Progress Aboriginal Corporation (NLPAC)Working On-Country Rangers (Nick Whiterod), Dead Australian Shelduck observed during the 2024 Avian Cholera outbreak (NPWS)