It is important that those involved with the investigation of dying and dead
birds are familiar with the relevant legislation and work within its limitations.
The reputation of ornithology is not served by ignoring or breaking the law,
however tedious and inconvenient the rules may seem.
In many countries of the world, legislation relating to birds, their protec-
tion, health and safety, and movement of samples, is nonexistent or is poorly
enforced. In such circumstances it is good practice to work to “in-house” proto-
cols and to develop and use guidelines that, although not legally binding, help to
ensure high standards. Such an approach, using tested codes of practice, does
much to enhance the reputation of those involved in avian research (Cooper
1996).
8.8 Conclusions
Perhaps the most important point being made in this chapter is that the investi-
gation of dying or dead birds requires careful planning, a systematic approach,
collection and collation of alldata, and close collaboration between researchers
in different disciplines. Investigation of morbidity and mortality in birds has, in
the past, frequently been hampered by a lack of liaison between avian patholo-
gists and veterinarians. As a result, there has often been a divergence of tech-
niques, of terminology and of research methods. Fortunately that situation is
now changing (Cooper 1993b; Greenwood 1996).
Much remains to be learned about causes of morbidity and mortality in wild
birds. Dying and dead specimens provide invaluable information. Such data
must be used wisely and relevant material should be retained for subsequent
examination if opportunities are not to be missed. It is hoped that this chapter
will play a part in encouraging a more concerted approach in the future.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to the Editors of this volume for inviting me to contribute. I should
like to express my particular appreciation to Ian Newton, for his help and support
over the years and for encouraging me to work with him and his colleagues at
Monks Wood on diverse problems related to wild birds.
I am indebted to Pamela Smith for typing and preparing the manuscript and
for the line drawings (Figs. 1 and 2) depicting internal anatomy. My wife,
Margaret Cooper, contributed information on the law.
An early draft of this paper was read and commented upon by Dick Best, Nigel
Harcourt-Brown, and Tony Turk. I am most grateful to them for their advice and
suggestions.
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