The Christchurch earthquakes have claimed more victims after thousands of birds have died of a disease that has gripped wetlands around the city.
The number of birds affected is more than died in the Rena oil spill, and rare species such as the royal spoonbill are among the worst hit.
Tests are still being done but it is suspected a disease called avian botulism is responsible for the deaths and the problem is being blamed on the earthquakes which badly damaged the sewerage systems in Christchurch's east.
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