111 crows found dead in Saitama

Saitama prefectural officials said 111 crows were found dead in three locations between Dec 30 and Jan 6.

According to officials, the crows were found in Iruma, Sayama and Tokorozawa, TV Asahi reported Thursday. The dead birds were found on roads and in the brush.

Officials said 24 of the birds were tested for bird flu but the tests proved negative. Further tests also showed that the birds were not poisoned by agricultural chemicals.

The birds most likely died of starvation, as their stomachs were empty, officials said. Crows frequently feed on garbage.