Decline in bird mortality at Pong, 21 found dead

Our Correspondent

Nurpur, January 17

A sharp decline in mortality of migratory birds due to avian influenza (H5N1) in the Pong Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary has been recorded by the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) of the wildlife wing of the state forest department indicating containment of the virus spread.

Showing declining trend, 21 dead birds were found in the sanctuary on Sunday touching the cumulative number of mortality figure to 4,921. The RRTs had started counting, identifying and scientifically disposing the dead birds 21 days ago.

Sixteen out of 21 dead birds were found to be bar-headed geese. Only one dead bird was traced in the Dhameta wildlife range, the remaining 20 were found in Nagrota Surian range.

16 among these bar-headed geese

• Sixteen out of 21 dead birds were found to be bar-headed geese.
• Only one dead bird was traced in the Dhameta wildlife range, the remaining 20 were found in Nagrota Surian range.

Chief Warden Wildlife Archana Sharma said the wildlife wing of the forest department had followed epidemiological protocols and recommended standards for the control and containment of the avian influenza outbreak in the Pong wetland areas of wildlife sanctuary.