The recovery of carcasses of three vultures and other avian species in Sirmaur district have sparked fears of a major outbreak of deadly avian influenza- H5N1 in Himachal.
While more than 3400 migratory birds have so far died at the Kangra’s Pong wetland due to bird flu, reports of death of native birds like vultures, crows, pigeons are now pouring in from several parts of the state.
The avian experts have raised concerns over the outbreak of bird flu and its threat on the resident avian species especially vultures, which is already at the risk of extinction.
In the last 24 hours, three carcasses of Himalayan Griffon Vulture were found in two villages in Sirmaur district.
Bhupinder Singh Rana, Chief Conservator of Forests, Nahan circle, Himachal, while talking to The Pioneer said that till now, one carcass of Himalayan Griffon Vulture and one of Black Stork have been found in Sirmaur and samples for bird flu testing have been sent to Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL), Jalandhar.
As there is a suspicion of bird flu spreading to the native bird species, we have issued directions to the field staff to be vigilant and report to the headquarters in case of any symptoms or mortality of birds, he said.