“Please be on the lookout for garden birds which are suddenly dying.”
This message was posted on the Facebook page of Mark Marshall as he was made aware of an alarming increase of reports about dead birds found in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“More reports are coming in. Please make sure your aviary and caged birds do not come into contact with any wild birds,” said Marshall, a well-known snake handler from Sandula Conservation.
On Monday, 5 April Marshall posted on his Facebook page that, “A few weeks ago dead birds were being reported from King Williams Town. Suspected poisoning, but the cases of dead birds started being reported from different parts of King Williams Town. No-one knows what the cause is, but the total of dead birds this morning is 68.
“Berlin has had 4 deaths and East London has had 22 deaths. Three birds have been sent away for testing.”
According to Marshall a disease or virus has been suspected but not confirmed.
“It is strongly advised that if you have a dead bird or a sick looking bird in your garden one must use disposable gloves and wear a mask if one handles these birds.
“The symptoms are: inability to fly, puffed up, very tame, laboured breathing. Once this happens the bird passes away shortly after. Most cases are doves and pigeons.”
According to Marshall a possible cause of spreading may be communal feeding of wild birds.
“As a precaution please stop feeding wild birds in your garden. At least until we know what the cause is for the birds dying.”
He has posted an update on his Facebook account on Tuesday, 6 April.
“The state vet has contacted me and they are conducting an investigation. Please inform me immediately of any dead birds you find. I will inform the state vet who will send someone out to collect the bird and take it for testing. They will cover all costs. Please Whatssap me with a photo of the bird.”
- For more information contact Mark Marshall from Sandula Conservation on 082 261 9280.
