News
Copper deficiency “probable cause” of deer illness
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By Anne Lucey
Veterinary tests have identified “copper deficiency” in Killarney National Park as the probable cause of a recent distressing condition among the region’s unique Red deer.
The Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht say tests of a small number of deer have shown they are suffering from ‘enzootic ataxia’, a condition brought on by copper deficiency.
However, the diagnoses is being questioned by conservation and deer management body, the Irish Deer Commission (IDC), which first spotted unusual stumbling and staggering among the Killarney Reds this autumn, who also say that this is the first time it has occurred among wild deer in Ireland.
The commission had suspected the deer were affected by “staggers” when a stag with stunted horns was observed in a distressing condition on the fringes of the annual rut walk organised by rangers and the commission in Killarney in October.
According to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, several of the deer carcasses sent for tests to the regional veterinary laboratory confirmed the animals were not suffering from “staggers”.
“The NPWS in observing behaviours recently in a very limited number of deer followed the appropriate veterinary protocols to ascertain the cause and sent several of the deer for tests at the Regional Veterinary Laboratory (RVL),” the department said.
“The results from these tests have confirmed that the animals were afflicted in fact by enzootic ataxia, which is a condition that can be brought on by copper deficiency. This is a natural occurring phenomenon that happens where the animals in question fail to get the necessary trace elements (copper) from their food sources.”
However, Irish Deer Commission spokesman Damien Hannigan said the Commission are consulting with leading deer veterinary experts who believe copper deficiency is no means the sole cause of the condition and may be complicated by elevated levels of other elements in the forage and soil of Killarney National Park.
“It is known there are also other conditions that produce the same clinical signs to enzootic ataxia, such as the staggers condition,” he said.
“The suggested enzootic ataxia diagnosis creates more questions than answers.”
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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