The October 2009 edition of The Bird Observer includes
a report from Victor Hurley of the Australian Raptor Association concerning use
of Fenthion to control feral Rock Doves. Fenthion is
an organophosphorous pesticide used to control invertebrates and as an avicide
for the control of non-native pest birds around commercial and industrial
buildings. It comes in a gel form of 11% concentration, and
is applied to the surfaces of roosting sites. The chemical is a
neurotoxin that is absorbed through the skin on the feet of the birds. In
some cases grain and seeds are sprinkled on the surface to increase the amount
and rate of uptake of the poison. Peregrine Falcons kill the dead or
dying birds and ingest the crop contents or the chemical on the feathers
and die within hours.
In 2004 a pair of Peregrines together with two
nestlings died in Melbourne’s CBD within hours of feeding
on Rock Doves contaminated with the chemical. Early this year two adult
Peregrines died at a Victorian factory where Fenthion was being
used .
During the 1980s, while working at NCDC on
Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, I heard reports of stupefied Rock
Doves being run over as they staggered around in the traffic lanes.
Later, while based at Old Parliament House, there were accounts of the birds
taking off and climbing vertically before speeding down and crashing to their
deaths. Such behaviour would appear conducive to the affects of neurotoxins. As
well as Peregrines Goshawks, Hobbies, Brown Falcons and Eagles are susceptible
to secondary poisoning from the use of Fenthion. As these species occur and
breed in the COG area of interest the committee may wish to consider
asking the appropriate ACT Government minister to confirm that Fenthion
(or similar poisons) is not approved for use in the Territory and, if in
use, the Minister should effect its immediate withdrawal.
Not so many years ago Peregrine populations recovered
from the devastations of DDT, now another insidious substance is
introduced. As a song from the 1960s went, When will they ever learn?
John K. Layton.
