Scientific Name: Anhinga melanogaster

Quite a large water bird – body length approx. 85 – 90cm with a wing span of up to 1.2m.

The Darter hunts for its prey underwater using a spearing action. It floats very low on the water surface, often with its body submerged and only the head and neck visible.

Mostly found in wetlands where the water has a depth of at least half a metre, with well vegetated banks and trees and logs.

Common reason for coming into care is fishing line entanglement and fishing hook damage… the solution? Please always dispose of fishing line correctly.

As skin surface cracks or breaks due to pressure from the inappropriate perches or housing, bacteria on the skin surface infects the sore.

If Bumblefoot is not treated correctly and quickly, permanent joint problems can follow. In serious cases, the infection travels, affecting other organs.

Waterbirds and seabirds in care are particulalrly susceptible to Bumblefoot, as their feet are not used to taking the full weight of their bodies for long periods of time. Generally the water supports their weight.

Symptoms of Bumblefoot include:

• Swollen foot pads, webbing and joints
• Red foot pads, webbing and joints
• Sores on foot pads, webbing and joints

Actions to take to avoid Bumblefoot:

• Use appropriate housing – avoid concrete, gravel or bitumen. Opt for soft flooring such as grass, sand or leaf litter. (Never use straw or hay as these contain spores and can lead to aspergillosis)
• Supply appropriate perches (ie. soft perches such as paperbark) of differing thickness.
• Clean the perches regularly or supply new ones.
• If appropriate and safe, provide ponds where the bird can sit in water – taking pressure off their legs and feet.

If as a registered carer you cannot supply the right housing, then please contact the carer’s group you are registered with and organise to pass your patient onto another carer. The bird’s welfare and hopes for future release are much more important than pride.