Bird plague

New Zealand’s unique endangered native birds could be threatened by a
virulent strain of Salmonella. The bug has already killed thousands of
sparrows, and has jumped to ducks, quail and cockatoos since the outbreak began
in August. Native wax-eyes, which are not endangered, have been dying in unusual
numbers around feeding tables. The infection has not yet been seen in rarities
such as kiwis or kakas in zoos in affected areas, raising hopes that wild birds
will also resist infection.