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Bird's death leads to warning of pollution event

Lisa Young
BBC News
Kelly Huitson/Alderney Animal Welfare Society The razorbill is being washed in a bowl of shallow bubbly water. A pair of gloved hands is carefully holding it and it has its beak closed with an elastic band. The bird has a black head and back with a white front. Kelly Huitson/Alderney Animal Welfare Society
The razorbill was treated immediately but died "most likely due to toxic shock"

Wildlife experts have warned of a possible pollution event in Alderney after a bird was poisoned by a toxic substance.

An islander found a razorbill stranded on Longis Beach covered with a clear and sticky substance and reported it to Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT).

Veterinary nurse Kelly Huitson of Alderney Animal Welfare Society said despite immediate treatment, the bird died "most likely due to toxic shock from ingesting the substance as he preened".

The veterinary report of fouling has prompted AWT staff and volunteers to monitor beaches for stranded wildlife and signs of pollution.

Warning: This story contains an image some readers may find upsetting

In 2013 a form of synthetic rubber called polyisobutylenes (PIBs) was discharged into the English Channel and led to the death of thousands of seabirds.

A spokesperson for the AWT said: "Whilst the substance fouling Roy the razorbill has not been identified, it is similar to PIB."

They asked the community to "remain vigilant in case the contaminant is part of a larger pollution event".

Kelly Huitson/Alderney Animal Welfare Society The razorbill is being held on a towel revealing its front which is covered in a shiny, sticky-looking substance. A gloved hand is carefully holding the bird and one of its legs is just visible.Kelly Huitson/Alderney Animal Welfare Society
A spokesperson for the AWT said the substance was similar to a synthetic rubber called PIB

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