Beware Buruli

Although previously a tropical problem, over the last few years Buruli cases have spiked in Victoria and are an increasing health concern in other parts of Australia. Gardeners need to take particular care as local research has found the carriers to be possums and mosquitoes.

How to stay safe while gardening

• Avoid mosquito bites Wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent on exposed skin, and don’t go outside at dusk.
• Avoid soil contact Wear gloves when touching soil. If you get a cut or abrasion, no matter how small, immediately wash with soap and cover with a dressing and antiseptic. If you already have a wound, cover with a dressing to avoid soil contact.
• Use mosquito coils and sticks Use this type of repellent at front and back doors when going in and out a lot.
• Don’t grow water-holding bromeliads These plants often breed mosquitoes so are not recommended in areas with mosquito borne diseases.
• Clean up your garden Remove all stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes breeding. Regularly check pot plant saucers, buckets, toys, rain gauges. Refresh birdbaths and pet water daily.
• Garden ponds Make sure your ponds either have fish or circulating pumps, so they are not breeding mosquitoes.
• Clean up possum scats Sweep up possum scats regularly, dispose of in hard waste. Wear gloves to avoid contact.
• Keep possums off vegetable areas Set up netting systems to exclude possums accessing or dropping scats into your vegetable garden areas, so you can harvest and dig more safely.
• Garden design Where possible, design your garden to reduce or direct possum movement. Reduce the number of large trees, instead grow smaller trees, such as dwarf fruit trees, for less possum habitat.
• Garden management Prune trees and shrubs to reduce possum highways.
• Possum deterrents Research and use techniques to stop possums entering your roof.
• Handle dead possums carefully Disposal of possums that have died with tell-tale ulcers should be done with great care to avoid infection. Think twice before touching sick possums, as these may scratch or bite and pass on Buruli.
• Speak to your neighbours Enlist your local community and neighbours to reduce mosquito breeding areas, helping everyone stay safer. Keep communicating to help with early detection, which can reduce recovery time.

In our Early Autumn issue (OG 155) you can learn more about what causes Buruli ulcers and the results of research Karen Sutherland did when she herself was infected. Purchase a copy here.