Warning signs placed around Australian shopping centre after mass poisoning incident
Government investigators have ruled out avian influenza H5N1, and it's suspected the birds were poisoned. The bodies of dozens of birds, along with open bags of bread and seed, were collected from the area, and toxicity testing is underway.
While many Aussies delight in feeding birds, the act can have unintended consequences. Firstly, when unnaturally high numbers are lured to one site, it can anger local residents and businesses who object to the noise and smell. Sadly, mass corella poisonings are common in Australia, particularly in regional areas where they are known to be attracted to crops.
Feeding the birds can also be bad for them, because they should be getting their nutrition from plants that are indigenous to the landscape, not sunflower seeds, corn and millet. And when large groups congregate in the same area, it can be a recipe for the spread of viruses like psittacine beak and feather disease.
'Sad situation' in suburb after birds die
Before the suspected mass-poisoning on July 12 and 13, hundreds of birds were routinely being lured to the Springvale South shopping centre in search of an easy feed, creating chaos on the streets.
Wildlife rescuer Michelle Phillips, who spearheaded the response to the poisoning incident, said the new signage was welcome. "Please do not feed the birds. Heavy fines apply," they read.
But in Greater Dandenong, the region where the incident occurred, more than 70 per cent of the population speaks a language other than English at home. So she would like to see translations in other languages, to ensure the message is understood by everyone in the community.
'There's definitely no need to feed them,' the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter operator told Yahoo News on Monday. "They survive quite happily on a natural diet."
While pigeons are still hanging around, locals are reporting corellas have vanished from the area. Most of the flock are now presumed dead, and Phillips describes it as 'a pretty sad situation'.
'Corellas that used to come to people's yards aren't coming anymore. The ones that survived have moved on,' she said.
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Authorities investigating discovery at second location
The Conservation Regulator, which sits within the environment department, is continuing to investigate the matter. On Thursday, more dead birds were found in the neighbouring suburb of Dandenong. And the bodies of several pigeons and one corella were collected.
'If you have any knowledge of either incident, please report it on 136 186 or call Crime Stoppers Victoria,' a Conservation Regulator spokesperson said.
'It's illegal and dangerous to poison wildlife, and we're calling on the community to come forward with any information they might have that will help us to track down whoever is responsible.'
Separately, anyone who sees a cluster of five or more sick birds or animals is urged to report it to DEECA by calling 136 186 or via the online reporting tool.
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