More bird deaths reported in WA

Wednesday, 17 January 2007. 12:47 (AWDT) -

There are reports of more bird deaths in southern parts of Western Australia.

At least 200 swallows died in the wheatbelt town of Narembeen during the severe storm that passed through the region this month.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is unsure whether the
Narembeen deaths are connected to the deaths of thousands of birds in
the Esperance area in the past five weeks.

Autopsies on the Esperance birds have ruled out viral and bacterial
causes, and investigations are continuing into whether pesticides or
toxins may be to blame.

The department has been unable to find a suitable sample for testing
from the Narembeen birds, but it says that it will continue to monitor
the situation.