Chemicals banned for decades in Australia found inside dying birds: 'Serious concern'
Authorities suspect the chemicals found in the magpies were from pesticides banned in Australia last century.
Pesticides that have been banned for decades in Australia could be behind the mysterious deaths of dozens of magpies, with many of the birds showing signs of paralysis and weakness in recent months.
Yahoo News reported in September vets immediately suspected poisoning when 30 birds were presented to Cooper Street Veterinary Hospital in Cootamundra, NSW. They sounded the alarm, urging locals to keep an eye out for any injured animals in the area, and notified authorities who later ran tests on the birds to determine their cause of death.
Although the results were deemed "inconclusive", the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed the chemicals found inside the dead birds had previously been used in banned pesticides DDE and dieldrin.
"We cannot confirm whether the birds died from a poisoning incident or from naturally occurring diseases such as 'black and white bird syndrome', of which paralysis and weakness are primary symptoms," NSW EPA Director Operations, Scott Kidd, said.
Discovery of banned pesticides alarms authorities
DDT was made illegal in Australia in 1987 as it poses severe health risks to humans, with the World Health Organisation calling the substance "highly toxic" as it impacts the central nervous system and humans have been poisoned by it.
Use of dieldrin was restricted in the same year until the Australian government banned it completely in 1994.
"This discovery is a serious concern, as the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority deregistered these two pesticides many years ago," Kidd said.
Hefty fine for those caught using illegal pesticides
The use of illegal pesticides can result in individuals being fined $500,000 while companies can pay $2 million. The message from authorities is simple — don't do it.
"We want to remind the community that using deregistered pesticides is an offence, and heavy penalties apply. Understandably, this incident has been distressing for the community and wildlife carers who responded to and cared for the sick magpies," Kidd said.
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