The impact of the use of mice pesticides is starting to take its toll on native wildlife, with many bird deaths being reported across the region in recent weeks. Photos: Kelly Lacey
The mouse plague has not only been devastating for farmers and households, but the pesticides are sadly starting to take its toll on wildlife.
Locals will have seen scores of dead native birds across town, though attention has recently been brought, by the likes of the ABC, to the more than 100 galahs that were found dead at the Parkes cemetery last week. Forbes followed, with over 200 dead birds reported over the past month.
WIRES volunteer in Parkes, Kelly Lacey said it was not only galahs, but also cockatoos and corellas affected by mouse bait. Parkes vet Daryl Elphick said he has had to treat numerous household cats and dogs since the outbreak of the plague.
“I have looked after hundreds of injured birds over the past five years through my work with WIRES, and the current situation is very hard for me. It is just devastating,” said Kelly.
The bird deaths led to an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) around Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, Narromine, Condobolin and the Riverina. Toxicology results have confirmed some of the bird deaths were caused by baits.
“The EPA understands regional communities are facing a difficult situation and that everyone needs to keep their families, community and the environment safe and that the need to control these mice to protect homes, families, pets, properties and wildlife is paramount,” said EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Carmen Dwyer.
Carmen called on the community to use pesticides very carefully. “To keep the families, community, wildlife and the environment safe, registered pesticides should only be used according to directions on the label.”
“The safe baiting of mice is an important step in reducing mice numbers and pesticide users must make sure they handle baits safely and are careful to always follow the directions on the label to protect their family, neighbours, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment from harm.”
Carmen said mixing and blending pesticides could seriously impact health, family and pets. “Please only use pesticides as directed on the label.”
“Grain eating birds can be impacted after eating the pesticide coated grain. The Parkes vet said he had to treat a dog two weeks ago who had eaten a dead swan that had eaten pesticide covered grain,” Carmen said.
“Our advice is to think carefully about where the bait is being placed and only use the recommended amount of bait,” Carmen said.
Kelly advised that when birds eat poisoned grain, they begin to bleed internally and there is not much that can be done for them. She cautioned the community to not touch sick or dead wildlife. “They produce a toxic gas in the stomach that is poisonous to humans too.”
Kelly is very concerned about the NSW Government’s announcement of the distribution of 10,000 litres of bromadiolone as part of a $50 million mouse control pack-age. “If the bromadiolone is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, it will kill a lot more wildlife, including all reptiles.”
It is really important for community members to report dead birds to the EPA to ensure the EPA can see the extent of the problem and take action in the future. Please direct reports to the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555.
If you suspect a family member has been affected by a pesticide product, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Anyone with a concern, knowledge of an incident involving pesticide misuse or seeking further information can contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.
By Maggi Barnard