Hundreds of dead birds have been found in several cities around the world.

In recent weeks, disturbing reports of mass bird deaths have emerged in cities around the world, including Australia and the United States. Thousands of dead pigeons, crows, and honeyeaters were found in Esperance and Austin, sparking alarm among officials and veterinarians. Despite autopsies, the cause remains unknown, and tests indicate possible poisoning. Authorities are monitoring the situation, but so far, no health threat to residents has been identified.

It might sound like something out of a horror movie, but in two cities on opposite sides of the world, the mysterious phenomenon of mass bird deaths is ringing all too true. Officials are baffled by the unexplained deaths of dozens of birds in Australia and the United States.

A few weeks ago, thousands of crows, pigeons, and honeyeaters died in Esperance, Western Australia. Two weeks ago, residents found dozens of dead pigeons and sparrows on the streets of Austin, Texas, USA.

As the mass die-off of birds in Esperance continues, veterinarians in both countries have been unable to determine the cause of death, despite numerous autopsies having been performed. Officials from the Western Australian Department of Wildlife and Environment Conservation said they were astonished by this "catastrophic event," but stressed that the deaths were unrelated to a recent storm in the area, as the birds had already begun dying earlier. Department response coordinator Mike Fitzgerald said: "This is a very significant element. We estimate that several thousand birds are dead, although we don't have an exact figure due to the extensive bushland."

Australia Birds, Australia's largest birdwatching group, said it had never heard of anything like this. "This is a most unusual occurrence, and we are very concerned," said group chairman Hamilton Graeme. Dr. Fiona Sunderman, chief veterinarian for the Department of Agriculture and Food, suspects the birds may have died from poisoning. Esperance resident Michelle Crisp, who normally sees hundreds of birds perched in a tree in her garden, counted 80 dead birds on January 9th.

Meanwhile, in Texas, officials are investigating the poisoning theory. Adolfo Valadez, medical director of Austin and Travis County Health and Human Services, said it could be weeks before final test results are known.

Assuming the birds died from poisoning, Austin police closed several streets and the fire department checked the area for harmful substances. "We take these things very seriously, especially after September 11, 2001," Valdez said. "It could be a long time before we know what happened and why. There is no health risk to residents."

Federal officials in Washington said they are monitoring the situation. A Homeland Security official said, "There is nothing to suggest any threat to Austin

Thousands of dead birds have also been found elsewhere around the world, including in the UK. Right: 2,000 dead ducks found in Oakley, Australia.