‘Eerie' discovery made at Coral Bay beach

Perth Now

2 days ago

Almost 100 birds have been discovered dead on a Coral Bay beach, with residents and tourists uncertain of the cause behind the mass mortality event.
People in the area have taken to social media to share concerns about the increase in deceased birds being spotted at Maud's Landing, with an estimated 80 to 100 being found dead this week.
Tourist Callie Adams encountered 'clumps of multiple dead birds' while visiting, and said she spoke out in hopes a resident might shed some light on the peculiar sight.
'It just seemed strange to see so many in one spot, it was kind of eerie,' she told the West Australian.
'I couldn't see any major signs that would cause such a mass death rate, meaning no rubbish, plastics, the water was clear, no baits.' Dead birds seen on the beach. Credit: Unknown / Supplied
'It made me a bit nervous, it could be a disease and I was concerned I may have been in contact with something on the sand or in the water.'
Another resident said they had counted 91 deceased birds during their recent trip to the beach.
Seabird ecologist Dr Claire Greenwell identified the deceased birds to be Greater Crested Terns from photographs, and said that the large number of birds being discovered was 'unusual'.
'I'm keen to understand what is happening (to the birds) at Maud's Landing and why,' she said.
'Maud's Landing is a known roost site, and that many dead birds at a roost site in any year is highly unusual.' One resident counted 91 deceased birds. Credit: Supplied
The Shire of Carnarvon confirmed the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the lead agency investigating the situation.
The DPIRD said authorities are still unsure what is causing the deaths.
'The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has received reports from the members of the public and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) regarding the deaths of crested terns in Coral Bay,' a spokesperson said.
'The cause of these deaths may be due to a number of factors and DPIRD is undertaking routine testing to exclude reportable diseases. The DPIRD said authorities are still unsure what is causing the deaths. Credit: Unknown / Supplied
'Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead birds and to keep pets away.'
Cases of bulk deceased seabirds on beaches have occurred in other Australian states, with similar reports being made in New South Wales and Victoria late last year.
In previous Australian cases, officials confirmed the deaths were not attributable to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu but were likely caused by starvation while migrating.
The Western Australian Government urges any individual who notices deceased birds in a cluster of five or more to report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.