Latest news with #CallieAdams
ABC News
a day ago
- Health
- ABC News
Avian influenza not the cause of mass bird deaths in Coral Bay, authorities say
Authorities have ruled out avian influenza as the cause of recent mass bird deaths near a West Australian town, but what led to the incident remains a mystery. 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."
Perth Now
2 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
‘Eerie' discovery made at Coral Bay beach
Almost 100 birds have been discovered dead on a Coral Bay beach, with residents and tourists uncertain of the cause behind the mass mortality event. People in the area have taken to social media to share concerns about the increase in deceased birds being spotted at Maud's Landing, with an estimated 80 to 100 being found dead this week. Tourist Callie Adams encountered 'clumps of multiple dead birds' while visiting, and said she spoke out in hopes a resident might shed some light on the peculiar sight. 'It just seemed strange to see so many in one spot, it was kind of eerie,' she told the West Australian. 'I couldn't see any major signs that would cause such a mass death rate, meaning no rubbish, plastics, the water was clear, no baits.' Dead birds seen on the beach. Credit: Unknown / Supplied 'It made me a bit nervous, it could be a disease and I was concerned I may have been in contact with something on the sand or in the water.' Another resident said they had counted 91 deceased birds during their recent trip to the beach. Seabird ecologist Dr Claire Greenwell identified the deceased birds to be Greater Crested Terns from photographs, and said that the large number of birds being discovered was 'unusual'. 'I'm keen to understand what is happening (to the birds) at Maud's Landing and why,' she said. 'Maud's Landing is a known roost site, and that many dead birds at a roost site in any year is highly unusual.' One resident counted 91 deceased birds. Credit: Supplied The Shire of Carnarvon confirmed the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the lead agency investigating the situation. The DPIRD said authorities are still unsure what is causing the deaths. 'The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has received reports from the members of the public and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) regarding the deaths of crested terns in Coral Bay,' a spokesperson said. 'The cause of these deaths may be due to a number of factors and DPIRD is undertaking routine testing to exclude reportable diseases. The DPIRD said authorities are still unsure what is causing the deaths. Credit: Unknown / Supplied 'Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead birds and to keep pets away.' Cases of bulk deceased seabirds on beaches have occurred in other Australian states, with similar reports being made in New South Wales and Victoria late last year. In previous Australian cases, officials confirmed the deaths were not attributable to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu but were likely caused by starvation while migrating. The Western Australian Government urges any individual who notices deceased birds in a cluster of five or more to report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
