The mysterious death of magpies. They were poisoned by a banned pesticide

The incident occurred in the small town of Cootamundra in New South Wales, but the situation has raised serious concerns about the potential illegal use of banned substances around the world.

Analyzes conducted by the Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) showed the presence of trace amounts of banned pesticides – DDE and dieldrin – in the bodies of dead magpies. Although the test results did not clearly confirm the cause of death, the discovery raised suspicions about the use of banned pesticides.

Bans on the use of DDT and dieldrin

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an organochlorine pesticide that gained wide use in the mid-20th century, mainly in the fight against malaria by eliminating the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. In the 1970s, its negative impact on the environment was revealed, especially on birds of prey, where thinning of egg shells was observed, leading to a decline in population.

As a result, DDT was banned in the United States in 1972 and in Australia in 1987. Before the United States, DDT had already disappeared from Norway, Sweden, Canada and Japan in 1970. In 1976, its use was banned in Poland.

Dieldrin, like DDT, is an organochlorine pesticide with high toxicity. It was used in agriculture to protect crops and in veterinary medicine. Due to its persistence in the environment and bioaccumulative potential, its use was restricted in Australia in 1987, and a complete ban was introduced in 1994. In Poland, the use of harmful pesticides was limited in accordance with the provisions of the Stockholm Convention.

Animals and humans can be exposed to dieldrin through consumption of fish, seafood, dairy products, fatty meats and root crops grown in contaminated soil or water. Dieldrin is highly toxic. Animal studies have shown its effect on liver damage, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system and the immune system.

This compound may also disrupt hormonal balance. There is evidence that exposure during pregnancy causes damage to developing fetuses.

Concerns about the presence of banned pesticides

Professor Melanie Massaro from Charles Sturt University emphasizes that both DDT and dieldrin are fat-soluble, which means they accumulate in animals’ bodies instead of being excreted. This leads to their accumulation in the food chain, posing a threat to the health of both animals and humans.

NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson has raised concerns about the possibility of these banned chemicals being stored on private properties. She noted the long life cycle of these substances, which can range from months to years, and in many cases even decades. She also highlighted the problem of bioaccumulation, where chemicals remain in the environment long after they are banned.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) said in a statement that states and territories are responsible for regulating the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals after they are sold. In New South Wales, that responsibility rests with the EPA, which declined to comment on the matter.

The Mayor of Cootamundry, Abb McAlister, has called on the Government to take action to control the introduction of these pesticides. He emphasized the importance of birds for the local community and the need to protect them.

Legal consequences and penalties for illegal use of pesticides

The use of banned chemicals in Australia can result in serious sanctions. Individuals can be fined up to A$500,000 and corporations up to A$2 million. These tough penalties are intended to discourage the illegal use of hazardous substances and protect the environment and public health.

More action needed

The Cootamundra incident highlights the need to strengthen controls over the use and storage of banned pesticides. There is a need to educate communities about the risks associated with these substances and to introduce more effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Only through coordinated action at local and national levels can the environment and public health be protected from the harmful effects of banned chemicals.