Are pesticides killing pelicans?

The first clue in solving a mysterious disease that has killed dozens of pelicans throughout the Keys surfaced over the weekend when a necropsy report indicated one of the birds died from organophosphate insecticide poisoning.

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Subject:    Are pesticides killing pelicans?
 Date:        Mon, 5 Mar 2001 18:40:06 -0500
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

cc:    Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov

Dear Mr. Helliker,  I thought you might like to read an article dated: Monday, February 26, 2001 - Publication: Key West Daily Citizen entitled: Are pesticides killing pelicans?  BY LINDA GOTTWALD -  Citizen Staff Writer.

The first clue in solving a mysterious disease that has killed dozens of pelicans throughout the Keys surfaced over the weekend when a necropsy report indicated one of the birds died from organophosphate insecticide poisoning.

The necropsy, performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture, was the only one that specifically tested for pesticides, said Debbie Britten, spokesperson for Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys, where many of the birds have been brought for rehabilitation.

"Other tests had ruled out a number of viruses and other possibilities, but this was the first to clearly point towards  something," Britten said. "We're not jumping to conclusions but I  plan to inquire about what pesticides are used in the area."

According to Mosquito Control reports, two organic pesticides, BTi  and Altosid, are sprayed in the Keys.

Researchers first noticed the disease in November, when several of  the birds were found floundering on beaches of the Marquesas. The disease appeared to have affected their neurological system, leaving  them partially paralyzed.

Source url: http://stories.keysnews.com/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=4539?CurrentNews

Well Mr. Helliker, I would like to add that when more and more necropsy reports are completed, you will find a lot more than pelicans are being KILLED by your "registered" POISONS!

Respectfully,  Stephen L. Tvedten

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