New disease caused by plastic found in birds for the first time

Birds affected by plasticosis become more vulnerable to infection and parasites and struggle to properly digest food and absorb vitamins

A flesh-footed shearwater bird. Scientists have found a new disease in wild birds caused solely by plastic pollution. Plasticosis is caused by small pieces of plastic inflaming the digestive tract. It is thought that seabirds eat the plastic when fishing and then accidentally feed it directly to their chicks. Picture: Eric Dunens/PA Wire

Scientists have found a new disease in wild birds caused solely by plastic pollution.

Termed plasticosis, the disease is caused by small pieces of plastic inflaming the digestive tract.