Chemicals May have Killed the Birds
Advertiser Adelaide
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Adelaide (Australia):
The mysterious deaths of up to 20 water birds at a sewage treatment plant in South Australia have baffled authorities and animal rescue groups.
More than 100 ducks, coots and swans have been rescued by the RSPCA today after several birds were found dead in one of the evaporation ponds at the Bolivar treatments works, north of Adelaide."There have been six deaths this morning and we have finished rescuing the remaining birds today," said RSPCA spokeswoman Emily Vatkovic.
It is believed that a non-toxic, alcohol-based chemical was sprayed on the ponds by SA Water to kill midge fly larvae.
"We suspect that birds are waterlogged and we will assess their health over the next few days," Ms Vatkovic said."We don't know a lot about chemicals at this stage."
Environment Department animal welfare spokesman Dr Deb Kelly said authorities were investigating the use of the chemical in the pond.
Nov 27, 2005
Advertiser Adelaide
_______________
Adelaide (Australia):
The mysterious deaths of up to 20 water birds at a sewage treatment plant in South Australia have baffled authorities and animal rescue groups.
More than 100 ducks, coots and swans have been rescued by the RSPCA today after several birds were found dead in one of the evaporation ponds at the Bolivar treatments works, north of Adelaide."There have been six deaths this morning and we have finished rescuing the remaining birds today," said RSPCA spokeswoman Emily Vatkovic.
It is believed that a non-toxic, alcohol-based chemical was sprayed on the ponds by SA Water to kill midge fly larvae.
"We suspect that birds are waterlogged and we will assess their health over the next few days," Ms Vatkovic said."We don't know a lot about chemicals at this stage."
Environment Department animal welfare spokesman Dr Deb Kelly said authorities were investigating the use of the chemical in the pond.
Nov 27, 2005
