KEY WEST, Fla. -- A fungal infection is the likely killer of six common loons that died in recent weeks in the Florida Keys, state wildlife officials said Tuesday.

Test results obtained from two of the birds showed they did not have avian flu, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission research assistant Danielle Stanek said.

Stanek said the fungal organism called aspergillus often attacks birds with already weakened systems.

"It's like when you get stressed and then you get a cold," Stanek said.

One of the tested birds had suffered a puncture wound in its stomach. Further tests will be done on both birds, including tests for Red Tide toxins and high levels of mercury, Stanek said.

Loons are water birds with yodel-like calls that can nest on land and can dive up to 200 feet in water.

The Exotic and Wild Bird Rescue Center of the Florida Keys treated seven loons but one was on the road to recovery, Stanek said.

Officials asked for the public's help in locating other ailing or dead loons but urged good Samaritans to call rescuers or use gloves or a towel to pick them up.

On the Net:

Florida Fish and Wildlife bird mortality reporting site:

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Information from: The Key West Citizen, and AP
http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/APN/604041167