Death toll of birds at Himachal's Pong rises to 2,700

Rajiv Mahajan

Nurpur, January 5

The number of migratory birds dying of avian flu (H5N1) in the Pong wetland area rose to 2,700 up to Tuesday evening, making state government authorities more concerned. While migratory birds of 15 species have died due to the outbreak of fatal avian flu, the number of most of those dead is of Bar-headed goose coming from Mongolia and China.

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A team of scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, headed by Dr Suresh arrived in the wildlife sanctuary today to take stock of the situation. The team visited the affected Pong wetland area and examined the dead birds. As per official information, the team will submit a detailed report to the Union Government within the next two days.

Meanwhile, the vendors of poultry products and mutton closed their shops in Fatehpur, Jawali, Indora and Dehra subdivisions in Kangra district following the orders of the district administration. Panic prevailed among people living around the Pong wetland after the death toll of the birds rose.

Rahul M Rahane, DFO (Wildlife), Hamirpur, told The Tribune that following the directions of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Himachal Pradesh, all recommended measures were being complied with for the prevention of the spread of avian influenza. “The expert opinion of the Veterinary Officer, Wildlife, is being taken for the preliminary understanding of the disease and requisite protective measures such as wearing of PPE kits, gloves and masks are also being taken while dealing with the dead birds,” he said.