After the outbreak of bird flu at Pong wetland in Himachal’s Kangra district and death of 4,946 migratory birds, the situation on ground has improved considerably in the last five days.

Only 10 migratory birds of different species were reported dead from Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesday. No mortality was reported from any beat of Dhameta Range of Pong Dam.

“The total cumulative number of migratory birds reported dead due to bird flu till January 19 afternoon at Pong was 4,946,” said an official of Wildlife Wing of Forest Department, Himachal.

He said that the Department is closely monitoring the situation at Pong. As the containment operations entered 23rd day, the situation on ground has improved now, with only 10 birds found dead on Tuesday.”

Notwithstanding the declining mortality numbers, the wildlife wing is maintaining strict vigil through its rapid response teams and all steps are being taken to stop the spread of bird flu, he added.

H5NI was found in dead birds at Pong wetland in Kangra district while later, H5N8 strain was confirmed in dead poultry birds found in the border areas of the State.

A day before, the State Government had decided to extend the ban on entry of poultry and poultry products into the State from neighbouring States for another one week. Till date, maximum fatalities due to bird flu have been reported among Bar-Headed Goose at Pong. Apart from migratory birds, more than 250 native birds including crows, pigeons, vultures, common myna among other species have also died since the outbreak of bird flu in the State.