The Indian myna is known to carry diseases which may drive some native birds to extinction through avian influenza and salmonellosis.
They also harbour parasites which can cause health issues in humans so gloves should always be worn when handling them.
Management of traps
Traps used should be designed specifically for Indian mynas that avoid snaring native birds.
Trappers should not to use seed or seed‐based food, for example bread, in traps as this can attract native birds.
Use dry dog food made for small adult dogs or cat food as the bait.
If a native bird is trapped, it should be released immediately (but avoid letting the Indian mynas escape). Do this by placing a rag over the door opening and putting your hand underneath to grab the non‐target bird. This prevents target birds from escaping as you are catching the other bird.
The traps should contain food and clean water for any trapped birds. Traps should be checked morning and evening.
The birds are not to be exposed to undue stress while trapped. Avoid approaching the trap during daytime hours. This averts Indian mynas associating humans with traps and then becoming trap shy.
Trapped Indian mynas should be disposed of in a reasonable period (within two days), rather than kept captive for days on end.
If decoy birds are used in traps, they and any trapped birds should have access to adequate food, clean water, shelter and shade.
The birds should not to be treated cruelly. Observe the demands of the animal welfare requirements of your state/territory.
Dealing with trapped Indian mynas
The method used for disposing of trapped birds is to be quick, painless and stress‐free.
Acceptable euthanising methods include gassing with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
If using carbon monoxide, you must opt for a car with a cold engine. Do not use diesel vehicles.
Place the containment chamber with the trapped birds in a near‐airtight bag or box, connect a grey water hose/pipe from the car exhaust pipe into the bag/box and run the cold car for 1½ minutes or so, walk away for a further minute while the gas settles. The birds should be unconscious within 10 to 15 seconds and dead within 30 to 40 seconds ‑ if it takes longer than 30 to 40 seconds for the birds to die peacefully, there may be something wrong with your technique and it should be reviewed.
Cervical dislocation (breaking their necks) can also be used, but it should be instantaneous with minimal handling of the birds.
Disposal of dead birds
Dead Indian myna birds should be disposed of in a hygienic and environmentally sound way.
YouTube resources:
Indian myna birds – A pest species https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufrqv1-KhWU
Cage trapping of Indian myna birds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y75LuN2mTUo
Indian myna bird – trap and euthanise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQQvLnON7CI