What to Do if You See Numerous Dead Birds on the Shore?

If there is a significant number of dead birds, eg 3 or more, then there are two options:

1. Ring the MAF hotline 0800 80 99 66 as they are supposed to investigate die offs.  They will be especially interested in shorebirds due to the risk of bird flu arriving in this way. The person on the phone may try to pass it off as a "DOC problem" but if you mention bird flu, it might get some better action.  
2. The second option is to send some bodies to Massey.  DOC has a contract which covers the cost of the post mortem and it will hopefully provide us with answers.  Sending fresh is best, but frozen is ok as a second choice.  Instructions on how to send are below:

For post mortem examination of threatened species:

See the website at htpp://ivabs.massey.ac.nz/centres/wildlife and read ≥Massey Submission Instructions≈ for details on how to submit a specimen.

Email: Brett  Gartrell or Maurice Alley at Massey:  B.Gartrell@massey.ac.nz ; or M.R.Alley@massey.ac.nz ; to let  them know it's coming.

Email Brett for more information if you need interpretation of results or advice.