The vet from Central West Livestock Health and Pest Authority is investigating the deaths of a large number of birds that were found dead under trees throughout the park on Sunday morning. Some were also seen in the grounds of TAFE. The birds did not have any obvious injuries or wounds and were all lying in a spread wing position. Some of the birds will now be sent off to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute at Menangle for further testing in case any exotic, notifiable disease is the culprit.

Senior LHPA ranger based in Dubbo Lisa Thomas said the bird deaths were a concern, with an autopsy carried out by the vet, who retrieved some of the birds that had been recovered from the scene on Sunday morning. The vet found no evidence of poisoning by mouse baits and no dye discolouration in the crops or stomachs of the birds.

The LHPA works in conjunction with landholders to protect crops from mice but the management includes prevention of poisoning of non-target animals, such as grain-eating birds.

“Perimeter baits are brightly coloured which are not attractive to birds, and the grey-coloured grain used on broadacre crops is applied later in the evening after birds have gone in to roost,” Ms Thomas said.

Warren Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife were also contacted regarding the deaths.