AUTHORITIES are currently investigating if the 120+ native birds found dead at a property near Violet Town have been deliberately poisoned.
Officers from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have executed a search warrant at a property last week following the earlier discovery of deceased wedge-tailed eagles in the area.
During a three-day search, officers have found more than 120 native birds, including 76 Wedge-tailed Eagles, kites, hawks, falcons and other native bird species.
DELWP acting regional manager, compliance operations, Greg Chant said, “Given the large number of native birds found within the immediate locality, it appears they may have been poisoned.
“Carcasses have been recovered from the property and will be tested to determine the exact cause of death. The community is justifiably outraged by this incident and our investigations are continuing.
“We are now seeking information from the community to help find the people responsible by contacting CrimeStoppers. Reporting is confidential and we only need your information to help solve this crime,” Mr Chant said.
Mass-bird deaths have occurred frequently throughout Australia recently, with notable instances of suspected poisoning occurring in the Lower Lakes, SA in July 2019 (more than 100 galahs found dead), north Adelaide in July 2019 (over 60 corellas), East Gippsland, VIC in July 2018 (over 140 wedge-tailed eagles), Horsham, VIC in August 2017 (at least 12 corellas), Milang, SA in November 2018 (at least 100 native birds, including galahs, corellas and magpies), Burra, SA in July 2018 (hundreds of galahs) and Dubbo, NSW in March 2014 (over 700 birds, including hundreds of natives).
Some of these deaths have been linked to a commonly used chemical called imidacloprid, which is used as an insecticide to kill fleas and termites in barley and wheat production. This exact chemical has been banned in Europe, following concerns of its effect on animal and insect populations.
However, the chemical is still allowed for widespread use throughout Australia, with companies also using imidacloprid as seed treatment against Barley yellow dwarf virus, which has been having a detrimental effect on many farms across South Australia and Victoria in recent years.
The search warrants were executed with support from the Victorian Police and Agriculture Victoria.
