Water Not To Blame For Dead, Sick Ducks Found At Freedom Park

UPDATE: Testing shows that the water was not the cause of the sick and dead ducks found along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Sunday.

Officials with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services say tests revealed that the water was not to blame for the situation. Although it was not the source of the problem, officials still say people should avoid contact with the water in Mecklenburg County streams due to a variety of potential pollution problems.

The investigation into what caused the sick and dying ducks is still under investigation.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials say walkers at Freedom Park found dead and sick ducks along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Sunday evening.

Volunteers from Carolina Waterfowl Rescue identified ducks suffering from an unknown illness and have taken them into care for testing, evaluation, and triage.  Lab testing is underway.  However, other sick ducks were not within reach for volunteers to retrieve.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services’ emergency response staff are reviewing real-time water quality data and will gather water samples for lab testing. It is not known if the illness was spread among the flock or if the illness was water-borne. Water quality lab results may require up to two weeks to confirm.

“As a precaution, we are advising that park-goers and their pets voluntarily stay out of the water along Little Sugar Creek from the Carolina Medical Center to the south end of Freedom Park until we determine the cause of this illness,” said Mark Boone, spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.

If anyone finds a dead or ill duck, please contact Carolina Waterfowl Rescue at 704-668-9486.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is seeking volunteers and donations for assistance for treatment and diagnosis of the ducks affected.