Finland develops new equipment for treating oiled birds

HELSINKI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Finnish experts have developed new equipment to treat birds affected by oil spills, the country's Environment Ministry said Tuesday.

The equipment, consisting of three containers for medical care, washing and drying facilities, can be quickly transported by road or sea to the location of an oil spill to provide vital first aid for birds in distress, the ministry said in a press release.

The equipment, which has the capacity to treat up to 150 birds a day, was designed by a group of experts from the Finnish Environment Institute, Eastern Uusimaa Rescue Services and WWF Finland.

During emergencies, birds requiring treatment will be given priority according to the rarity of their species as well as their condition. After treatment, the birds will be transferred from the containers into an outdoor enclosure for a while before being released.

The new equipment, the first of its kind anywhere in the world,will greatly improve prospects for the rapid treatment of oiled birds.