Laced corn poisons birds

A Hawke’s Bay wildlife trust is hoping to raise awareness after laced corn poisoned several birds – including kereru¯ – in the Napier area. Liv Flynn of Hawke’s Bay Bird and Wildlife Rescue Charitable Trust said pigeons and kereru¯ had been found on the ground unresponsive and having seizures. She said the cause was thought to be licensed toxin alpha-chloralose – a narcotic which, when used in concentrations of less than 2.5 per cent, causes drowsiness in birds. Flynn said rescuers found corn cobs and peas, foods that were unusual especially for kereru¯. Flynn said the six kereru¯ made a full recovery.