National Parks and Wildlife Service
South Australia
18 July 1982

Tests for Department of Environment and Planning

This is to confirm that the following tests are required by this Department:-

(1) Tests on the organs of two male and two female mountain ducks to be forwarded by the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science to establish presence of and identify any poison.

These birds were part of a large flock found dead on a property in the Wrattonbully district. Nearby paddocks had been ploughed and sown. It is possible that poison had been laid for pests. It is suggested that lucijet may have been used but there is nothing to support this suggestion.

(2) Tests on carcasses of pigeons submitted by *** National Parks and Wildlife Service, to establish presence of and identify any poison.

These birds were among a large number of pigeons recently found dead in the Smithfield area. A number of birds of prey – mainly eagles – possibly feeding off the carcasses have also been affected but have survived. It is probable that local farmers are laying poison to eradicate the pigeons but it is not known what poison is being used…