Avian influenza not the cause of mass bird deaths in Coral Bay, authorities say
Residents and visitors have reported seeing scores of crested terns dead on beaches in the Coral Bay during the peak tourism season.
Callie Adams was visiting from Perth when she noticed the birds north of the town a little more than a week ago.
"As I walked from the main beach in town around to the point I noticed a few dead birds, just here and there," she said.
"As I got further around the point there was large quantities of birds that were flying and alive, but then also an awful lot of dead ones.
"It was to the point where you literally had to watch where you were stepping to avoid a pile of dead birds.
"I started counting in the beginning … I lost count at over 100."
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions said mass deaths were not unprecedented but this one was somewhat unusual.
"While there have been groups of bird deaths in this area in the past, there appears to be higher numbers recorded than in previous years," a spokesperson said.
Testing from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has ruled out reportable diseases, including avian influenza.
The disease has devastated bird populations across the world, including in Australia's eastern states.
BirdLife Australia avian influenza response coordinator Tanya Loos said she was "cautiously pleased" that H5N1 strain of avian influenza had been ruled out.
"[Avian influenza] is predicted to have some of the greatest impact, as we've seen overseas, and we know that species such as terns are particularly susceptible to H5N1," she said.
Ms Loos said starvation could be a factor in the deaths and that large number of dead birds in one area was abnormal.
"There's a lot of concerning things going on with ocean ecology at the moment, so we are watching events like this with a bit of trepidation," she said.
DPIRD urged visitors and residents to report sightings of dead and sick birds.
"Sightings of more than five sick or dead wild birds should be reported to DPIRD's Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888," a spokesperson said.
"For fewer than five sick or dead wild birds, including any other sick, orphaned or injured wildlife, contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055."
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