More Brush Turkeys found poisoned near Coffs Harbour

For the second time in two years, a rafter of native Brush Turkeys has been poisoned at Safety Beach near Coffs Harbour.

According to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), laboratory testing found high concentrations of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in “around 10” birds. It is the same chemical detected when another group of Brush Turkeys was poisoned at the same location in 2023. 

Chlorpyrifos is an agricultural pesticide used for insect control and is banned for domestic and urban use in NSW.

The NSW EPA is investigating the recent poisoning and is calling for the community’s help to find those responsible.

“If you’ve seen unusual pesticide activity, like spraying in an urban area or poor storage of pesticides, we encourage you to report it,” said EPA Director of Regional Operations John Forcier. “We are hopeful that someone in the community could still have vital information to help us stop this happening again.”

According to Forcier the EPA is already following up on several leads.

Forcier said “pets and members of the public could also be at risk if exposed to some chemicals”.

The negligent use of pesticides that harms any non-target animal or plant can attract fines of  up to $500,000 for an individual and $2 million for a corporation.

Members of the public are being advised not to touch or move any dead birds, but to report their location to the EPA by emailing [email protected] or calling 131 555.

Thumbnail: Australian Brush Turkey. Supplied EPA.