Asian Crow Sighted 7/12/10

Asian Crow Sighted

An Asian bird capable of killing calves and kid goats is on the loose in North Queensland after reaching Australia by boat. Biosecurity Queensland has enlisted the help of birdwatchers to find an Indian house crow, seen in Innisfail almost eight weeks ago. Birds Australia North Queensland secretary Ivor Preston said he spotted the pest being hassled by native species at Flying Fish Point on October 11th. Mr Preston, who has seen house crows in their native Malaysia and Vietnam, said he knew the bird was not local, but was shocked once he realised its identity.

A Biosecurity Queensland spokeswoman said the crow, which hails from central Asia, is considered a "major pest". It is working with local authorities and birdwatchers to find the pest which, if not caught, could have a devastating effect on the state's agriculture. "The pest is known to raid crops such as wheat, maize and sunflower as well as causing severe damage to vegetables and fruit crops including mango, guava, pawpaw, fig, apple, pear, grape and stone fruit," she said. A national animal pest alert says the house crow can kill animals. "The house crow will attack and kill poultry, new-born calves and kid goats," the alert reads.*