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Date: June 10, 2003
Posted by: Karl Kerster (kersters@sonic.net)

From: "Karl Kerster" <kersters@sonic.net>
Subject: Skeptical about WNV in Die-Off of Cedar Wax Wings
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003

I would be very skeptical of ANY disease killing your six Cedar Wax 
Wings as you describe them.
Cedar Wax Wings are very well known for their propensity to fly into 
window glass (like that of a bus shelter) and die. These birds die 
from much lighter blows or traumas than most bird species would 
survive. Please let us
know, however if WNV is detected.

Karl G Kerster



>  Here in Waterloo Region, we have submitted 6 Cedar Wax Wings to the
>  Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre over the last 2 weeks.
>  The first 3 were submitted on May 26 - a citizen woke up in the
>  morning to find
>  3 dead in her driveway (not run over, no mauling).  The next 3 were
>  found in a bus shelter (intact) on June 6, 2003.  As yet, no lab
>  reports have come back from CCWHC.  Please keep me informed of any
>  discoveries with
>  these birds. Thanks.
>
>  Sandra Morrison, B.A.Sc., CPHI (C)
>  Public Health Inspector
>  Region of Waterloo Public Health
>  99 Regina St.S., 3rd Floor
>  Waterloo, ON, N2J 4V3
>  (519) 883-2008 ext 5345
>
>  -----
>  Sent in response to:
>
>  Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2003
>  From: Tanya D. Graham <TANYA_LEMIRE@SDSTATE.EDU>
>
>  Does anyone on the list have any experience with rapid die-offs of
>  cedar wax wings (Bombycilla cedrorum) as West Nile enters your area
>  at the beginning of vector season?  We are experiencing a marked
>  die-off of these birds (for the 2nd year in a row) in several
>  communities across the state and our West Nile PCR tests are still
>  pending (as is histologic examination of the brain and viscera from
>  several birds).  We are also checking for pesticides /herbicides, and
>  I cannot rule out botulism or cyanogenic compound(s) yet.
>  The fact that birds are dying very rapidly (with plenty of depot fat
>  stores) suggest it's either West Nile or something in their diet
>  (maybe a seasonal berry with toxic compounds).
>
>
>
>  Tanya D. Graham, DVM, Diplomate ACVP
>  Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory
>  South Dakota State University
>  Veterinary Science Department
>  Box 2175, North Campus Drive
>  Brookings, South Dakota  57007-1396
>  (605) 688-5643 (office)
>  (605) 688-6003 (fax)
>  http://ihc.sdstate.org 
>
>
>  "A society that will trade a little freedom for a little security
>  will lose both and deserves neither." —Thomas Jefferson.
>

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