Taking precautionary measures in view of the death of thousands of migratory birds in the Pong Dam of Himachal Pradesh due to bird flu, Haryana Department of Forests and Wildlife has sounded an alert in the wetlands of Sultanpur Lake and Bhindawas where thousands of migratory birds have arrived for their annual sojourn.
Talking to ‘The Pioneer’ over the phone, Sultanpur National park (wildlife) Inspector Rajesh Chahal said that no casualty has been reported in this part of the region but the possibility of the disease reaching the wetlands cannot be ruled out. “Nonetheless, teams of the Wildlife Department are keeping round-the-clock vigil at Sultanpur wetlands. In the recent census, around 20, 000 migratory birds had arrived at Sultanpur wetlands,” he added.
Asked if it could pose a threat to other aquatic creatures that survive in waters, he said:
“An alarming rise in deaths is concerning and requires a serious follow-up”. Observing the current situation as quite serious, he said that a group of individuals who provide extra information about the birds or aquatic species and habitat, and local riparian residents had been roped in to keep an eye on any abnormal behaviour of water fowls.
“The idea is to keep as many eyes on suspicious activity as possible. They have been told to report back if fresh bird carcasses are found. Our teams have been keeping a watch 24x7 on a rotational basis,” he said.
When contacted Haryana Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) ML Rajvanshi, said, “So far, we have not detected mortality among birds in Sultanpur and Bhindawas wetlands. We are on the alert.”
He said that an advisory has been issued that all zoos remain alert and vigilant for any symptoms among captive animals and incidence, if any, in nearby areas.
Similarly, veterinarians have been engaged in preventive care of the birds.
After the highly infectious Asian avian influenza (H5N1) led to the death of about 2000 migratory birds in Pong Dam wetland in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh besides 1 lakh poultry birds in Haryana’s Barwala belt in Panchkula district suspected to be due to the virus, the wildlife officials have been put on high alert in the State.
He said, “Considering this grave situation, we have asked the officials to take all possible measures/precautions to prevent the transmission of disease in other animals, birds and human beings.
The officials have been asked to create awareness that any sighting of a dead bird by volunteers, bird watchers and others should be reported to the nearest forest/animal husbandry office.”
Directing the officials concerned to remain vigilant for birds, animals showing symptoms, another Wildlife official said that staff members have been asked to wear rubber gloves and protective clothing that can be disinfected or disposed of and protective eyewear or a face shield while handling animals.
They should wash hands with soap and water often and disinfect work surfaces and equipment between sites. Officials have been advised to not to eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
“All the wildlife officials have been asked to create awareness about the spread, testing and prevention of swine flu and we have also asked them to ensure that there are enough medicines to treat any cases that are being reported,” he added.