Municipality opens investigation after mass death of pigeons

June 28^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) The municipality of Goicoechea has opened an investigation to determine what caused the death of some 80 pigeons, which were found dead in the central park of Guadalupe yesterday morning.

Municipal health authorities said that the death of the pigeons was not related to a planned culling of part of the pigeon population, which was considered by authorities over health concerns of park visitors.

Authorities believe that the deaths were the result of intentional poisoning, but have not determined what type of chemical may have been used.  The mayor is appointing a committee to conduct an investigation into the matter.  Security tapes from cameras in the park will be analyzed in an attempt to identify possible suspects, authorities said.

The Ministry of Health has prohibited any large events from being held in the park since January, calling the large pigeon population unhealthy.  Authorities have asked residents not to feed the pigeons in the park.

Health authorities said that pigeons can carry several diseases, present in their excrement.