50 to 80 birds found dead by toxic seeds

About 50 to 80 birds were found dead in Avon Park near Grove Circle, south of Lake Damon and east of U.S. 27, after they reportedly ingested the berries of the rosary pea plant, which contain toxic seeds, according to the Highlands County Health Department.

The health department issued an advisory for residents with children and pets that the seeds, found in the berries of the vine, are toxic to people and pets.

"This is a very dangerous plant. The berries are bright red and may attract the attention of children or pets," said Environmental Health Manager Tom Higginbotham.

The plant is an invasive non-native vine that is commonly used as an ornamental plant. It is commonly found in southern and central Florida, according to the University of Florida.

The dead cedar waxwing birds were found by a nearby resident, who reported the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 9.

A health department inspector and a U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian investigated the incident and determined the birds died after consuming the seeds of the plant, which is also known as precatory bean.

"The Rosary Pea plant, although somewhat attractive and used as an ornamental, produces very toxic seeds and the plant should be removed if growing in areas where children and pets frequent. If your dog or cat eats a dead bird that swallowed one of the seeds, then the pet will be at risk of severe illness or death," Higginbotham said.

The toxins are released from the seed when chewed, according to Pennsylvania State University.

USDA veterinarian Nancy Reimer said vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms after the toxic seeds are eaten. If large amounts of the seeds are ingested, the kidneys and brain could be affected.

"The plant is extremely toxic...If they [pets] eat those seeds, I don't think they would live long enough to make it to the veterinarian's office," Reimer said.

However, she advises people to take precautions and seek medical attention for symptoms.

"It would be supportive care and wait and see," Reimer said.

The seeds release a poison if chewed and swallowed. One seed may be enough to kill a person but other parts of the plant are not harmful, health department officials.

The rosary pea plant can be confused with the Brazilian pepper, a commonly invasive shrub which is not deadly to people or animals. Both have berries but the Brazilian pepper's are clustered like grapes whereas the rosary pea's are not.

The rosary pea plants are commonly found in wooded areas and Brazilian pepper are found along fence lines, said Dee Dee Jacobson, urban horticulturist for Highlands County Extension Office.

The health department advises residents who find large numbers of dead birds to not handle them and call Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at 863-648-3200.

For more information on the rosary pea plant, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu