Sick native ducks recuperating at the University of Queensland's Veterinary School will have something to quack about this week following the efforts of a community-minded society from Australia's Defence Force.
Environment Minister Brian Littleproud will present a $1000 cheque raised by the T.W. White Society for the University's Annual Appeal to benefit charitable work conducted by the Veterinary School.
University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay will receive the cheque, and with Mr Littleproud will visit the ducks at the University's Veterinary Clinic, Therapies Road, St Lucia (off Chancellors Place) on Thursday, April 10 at 10am.
The birds are among 40 wood ducks, black ducks and swamp hens from south-east Queensland recently treated at the University during the current clinical outbreak of botulism in wild birds.
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by a very resistant bacteria in soil and decaying vegetation. Suitable conditions for toxin production often occur where there is rotting vegetation in stagnant water during the warmer months of the year. Birds affected by botulism become paralysed and die of respiratory failure. The outbreak occurs every few years in Queensland resulting in the deaths of hundreds of birds.
With the support of the University's student carer group and medical treatment, several ducks have already been released back into the wild, with others hopefully to follow in the near future.
'Successfully treated patients are readily assimilated back into their environment,' head of the School of Veterinary Science Professor Keith Hughes said.
Professor Hughes said the School each year treated several hundred injured wildlife creatures, including birds, reptiles, possums, echidnas, frogs and turtles.
'They are often found in suburban back yards or by the roadside, and are brought in by the general public and concerned wildlife carer groups,' he said.
'On arrival at the Veterinary School clinic, animals are examined by veterinarians who decide on courses of treatment and care. Many are orphaned animals that need to be hand fed with a special diet until they are able to fend for themselves.
'Others are injured or diseased and require blood tests, radiographs, surgery and medication. There is no government financial support for this work so the Veterinary School provides these services free of charge as a community service.
'Public donations help offset only some of the costs incurred. The School would welcome further donations or bequests for this purpose.'
Professor Hughes said the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of these animals was provided by a devoted, caring group of veterinary students who volunteered a great deal of personal time to the animals' well-being.
'Although this provides an excellent learning opportunity, their greatest reward is when the animals can be released back into the wild. The School of Veterinary Science is fortunate to have the support of outside volunteer wildlife carer groups,' he said.
The T.W. White Society, which has a special interest in enhancing the military-civilian community relationship through joint initiatives, has raised $5000 for the University's Annual Appeal. This includes $4000 for the Veterinary School and $1000 for the T.W. White Society Prize for Respiratory Research awarded through the Thoracic Society of Queensland.
The Society was named for Group Captain Sir Thomas W. White, who was the first officer of the Australian Flying Corps awarded his 'wings'. An accomplished author and poet, he piloted fighters and bombers in both World Wars, was a founder of both Legacy and the Liberal Party, and was a member of the Australian Federal Parliament for 22 years, serving as a Minister, and later High Commissioner in London.
His great-nephew and Society executive director Flight Lieutenant Robert Johnston said the Society grew out of a number of like-minded individuals who wished to put something back into the community through the input of their expertise, or through their financial contributions. Many are former members of the University Regiment.
Much funding had come directly from the pockets of Society members. They organised the 1995 RAAF Memorial Ball to raise money for the Brisbane RAAF memorial - the single most successful fundraising effort for this project. Last year the T.W. White Society Ball was held at Parliament House to benefit the Veterinary School through the Annual Appeal.
Flight Lieutenant Johnston said Society projects also included planting trees at the University's St Lucia campus, support for the rehabilitation of sick and injured wildlife treated at the Veterinary School and a wildlife rehabilitation project and community education campaign at RAAF Amberley.
For further information, contact Professor Hughes, telephone 3365 2784 or Flight Lieutenant Johnston telephone 3266 1965.
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