A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths

[Snowy Owl]

A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths (CBS 42) AUSTIN The mystery of why dozens of birds died suddenly in Downtown Austin has been solved. The birds were found lying in the middle of Congress Ave. last week, raising concerns about public safety. Last week grackles, pigeons and a few sparrows were laying dead all along Congress Ave. from the capitol to Cesar Chavez St. Now doctors from Texas A&M University say parasites and cold weather are to blame. Temperatures dropped from about 50 degrees to 40 degrees the night before the 63 birds were found dead. In addition, pathologists found parasites in the birds' muscles, tissues and brains. Autopsies on the birds showed none had eaten in the previous 24 to 36 hours, so that ruled out poisoning. And the executive director of the Texas A&M laboratory said there are no toxins or public health concerns to be worried about. The Austin city manager has been briefed on the A&M results. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will release the results complied from multiple tests related to the bird deaths Friday afternoon.

 

[Blue]

Re: A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths

This does not make sense. Three different types of birds dead. They have parasites, unspecified. Isn't it likely that they always have parasites?
Birds live outdoors every year, and temperatures drop every winter, but you don't see large numbers of them dropping dead at your feet like this.

I am not understanding how these types of birds, all of which are in my backyard right now, could die from this. Our birds here in New England, don't die from a 10 degree drop in temp. And, I don't doubt, they have parasites.

 

[prepdeb]

Re: A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths

Ditto Blue.

We've had below freezing temps and inches of ice covering everything for the past week in Oklahoma. This is not normal weather for us. Our neighborhood has old trees with lots of birds, rabbits and squirrels. I have seen no dead birds here, despite the weather conditions. As far as I know, none of our birds receive regular medical attention or treatment for parasites.

At least they didn't die drunk from eating fermented berries as earlier articles hinted at.

I'd like to see followup reports that are logical and believable because I'd like to believe that we really don't have a problem here yet, but 40 degree temperatures are not severe for the types of birds that died suddenly.

 

[Thornton]

Re: A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths

Health department releases bird death results
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2007/bird_deaths.htm
For immediate release
Jan. 19, 2007
Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department has determined that the likely cause of the recent bird deaths along Congress Avenue was a parasitic infection that predisposed the birds to illness when temperatures dropped.
While more tests are under way, the determination of the cause of death by local officials resulted from a review of reports from two labs and consultation with animal health experts.
On Jan. 8, 2007, a total of 63 birds were found dead in the Austin downtown area. Through preliminary tests at the scene, it was determined that there was no public health threat but the cause of deaths remained unknown. More extensive lab tests were ordered by health officials.
Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, conducted multiple tests on a sampling of the birds.
These tests have ruled out the following causes: avian influenza (bird flu); intentional and unintentional poisoning; West Nile Virus; and Exotic Newcastle?s Disease -- a highly pathogenic, contagious and fatal disease affecting all avian species.
A few additional tests are still pending. However, results of those test are not expected to alter these conclusions.
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[Treyfish]

Re: A&M Lab Finds Cause Of Mysterious Bird Deaths

Parasites don't make me subceptable to colder temps!Parasitic,moldy grain,with berries and colder temps along with poisoning and drinking red berry wine would kill me though!Not bird flu ,but not anything else.3 different species just got old age.Thats all..