Tests show insecticide killed galahs

Date:09-28-2009

WIRES volunteers say the birds fell from a tree in a backyard and were found in nearby streets last month.

The tests found traces of Ometheoate, which is commonly used in agriculture and gardens.

The WIRES central west chairman, Jim Watt, says there are two possible reasons as to how the animals died.

"Someone has actually put out poison grain for the birds or theyve used the chemical without sticking strictly to the label, to the instructions for use," he said.

"At the time when this happened the insects that they would be targeting probably werent around at the end of August.

"You cant draw any other conclusion than it could be deliberate, it could be totally accidental and weve just got to, I guess, accept that and ... try and increase the education with people who are using these chemicals."