More bird deaths near the Murray River being investigated on the border

Wildlife rescuers fear it may be another case of deliberate poisoning.

The deaths of the little corellas, which many people believe to be a pest when they gather in large numbers, occurred in Barmah, east of Echuca.

A second incident involving bird deaths is being investigated at Tocumwal, NSW, another Murray River town.

Some believe the incidents could be linked.

The Victorian government's Conservation Regulator has confirmed the investigation and has asked for public help.

The regulator said it was "working to determine if the deaths were caused by a disease or as a result of human actions".

"Native birds can be attracted to poisoned grain, intended to kill rodents," the authority said.

"Killing wildlife by poison is an offence.

"Disease, including Psittacine beak and feather disease, has also been a cause of previous native bird deaths in Victoria."

If you have any information about this incident or cases of wildlife crime, please contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

The Conservation Regulator also investigated the killing of up to 100 corellas at another Murray River town in 2020 and found it was likely deliberate.

Investigators all but ruled out the deaths were caused by accident such as spray drift.

"It is unlikely the cause of death in this instance was from nearby crops being sprayed with insecticide," Victorian government authorities said at the time.

About 100 corellas fell dead from trees at Robinvale, in northern Victoria, on December 1, 2020.

Corellas have a reputation as a nuisance and destructive to crops, but it is against the law to poison them.

"High concentrations of methomyl was... identified in toxicology tests performed on the carcasses," the government said.

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