Suspected collision trauma deaths in pied wagtails

• Published in: Veterinary record Vol. 186; no. 18; pp. 609 - 610
• Main Authors: Duff, J P, Richey, M, Holmes, J P, Bianco, C, Duff, K P, Lawson, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Limited 13-06-2020; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; BMJ Group
• Series: Wildlife
• Subjects: Birds; Influenza; Investigations; Letters and Notices; Mortality; West Nile virus; United Kingdom > UK
• ISSN: 0042-4900; 2042-7670
• DOI: 10.1136/vr.m2272

Based on the findings of internal haemorrhage consistent with blunt trauma, exclusion of alternative diagnoses, the scene investigation, and the known attraction of this species to bright lights, we concluded that a flight error was the likely cause of fatal collisions against a window. Wild bird mass mortality incidents in Great Britain resulting from trauma in flight or flocking error Species, numbers affected, location Cause of mass mortality, comments 30 greylag geese (Anser anser), Scotland2 Stormy weather, lightning and large hailstones 3050 birds of 39 species, Essex3 Severe hailstone trauma 4 pink-footed geese (Anser brachyrhynchus), Norfolk3-5 Intense updraughts associated with flocks flying in storm fronts suspected 12 blackbirds (Turdus merula), Cumbria6 In-flight collisions secondary to intoxication (suspected ethanol toxicity) 88 starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), Cumbria7 Traffic collisions in birds from a roost close (within 2 m) to a busy road 40 starlings, Scotland8 Birds seen to fly directly into car – flight error by lead bird suspected 69 starlings, Somerset9 Fatal flight error, predatory bird attack or mistaking shingle for reed beds often used for roosting Starlings, 12 incidents over 21 years, mortality 2–80+10 Starlings, usually juveniles in flocks, entering bodies of water and drowning It is important that these incidents are investigated to determine the cause of death and exclude notifiable disease such as avian influenza and, during the mosquito flight season, West Nile virus infection. Establishing the aetiology provides evidence to alleviate public concerns, reduces speculation on theoretical causes and it may, as in this incident, lead to suggestions for reducing the risk of reoccurrence.References 1 Anon.