Tests on birds at Gurgaon lake start

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, December 19

The district Forest Department has started testing nearly 200 migratory birds at Sultanpur Lake here after the breakout of bird flu in Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. The authorities concerned are yet to issue any advisory regarding the avian influenza.

The department that has conducted a series of excretory tests on birds will retrieve blood samples and get them tested to rule out any possibility of the spread of H5N1 virus among migratory birds.

“So far, there is no threat of virus among the migratory birds, but we are not taking any chances. We have already tested their excreta. To be sure, we will evaluate blood samples as well. There is nothing to worry and Sultapur Lake is safe to visit,” said Kulwinder Singh, District Wildlife Officer.

Haryana Chief Wildlife Warden RK Sapra has alerted all Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) after the death of 30 geese at Sukhna Lake. The department is keeping tabs on all migratory birds visiting several sanctuaries across the state.

The Sultanpur sanctuary is near Farukhnagar (Gurgaon). Nearly 250 species are found at the sanctuary and most of them are from Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan.