33 Cranes Perish Due to Bird Flu in Rajasthan
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Synopsis
As of January 20, 33 cranes have died from bird flu in Rajasthan. The outbreak is primarily located in Jaisalmer, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to prevent further spread.
Key Takeaways
- 33 cranes have died from bird flu in Rajasthan.
- The outbreak is concentrated in Jaisalmer.
- Strict protocols are in place to manage the situation.
- Bird flu spreads more in winter due to decreased immunity.
- Authorities are on high alert to prevent further infections.
Jaipur, Jan 21 (NationPress) Officials have reported that 33 cranes have tragically perished due to bird flu in Rajasthan as of the evening of January 20.
On January 17, approximately 14 cranes passed away from the virus in Jaisalmer, with some collapsing mid-air over a field near Bankalsar village.
A confirmation from the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NISHAD), based in Bhopal, identified the presence of bird flu in two of the examined cranes, establishing the cause of death.
In addition, a cuckoo and a Eurasian vulture were found dead; however, these fatalities were linked to natural causes, offering some respite to the authorities.
Since January 11, reports of bird flu-related casualties have been emerging from Jaisalmer, but the outbreak has been confined to Degrai Oran and Bankalsar. No cases of infected birds have been detected in other areas of the district.
To combat the spread of the disease, authorities have implemented rigorous protocols, including the burial of deceased infected birds and the application of disinfectants at the affected locations.
Dr. Umesh Vargantiwar, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, noted that bird flu tends to spread more during winter months due to decreased immunity in birds, akin to human health trends.
“Preventing the transmission of this infectious disease is difficult because birds cannot be prevented from flying,” he stated.
To mitigate the outbreak, the government has mandated the burial of dead birds and the spraying of disinfectants in the vicinity to reduce further infections.
The situation is anticipated to improve as winter temperatures rise, leading to decreased disease transmission. "Like humans, immunity in birds decreases during winter. Consequently, this infectious disease proliferates among birds. While birds cannot be stopped from flying, measures such as disinfecting areas where dead birds are found and burying them in accordance with government directives are in place," he explained.
The NISHAD report confirmed the presence of H5N1 Avian Flu (Bird Flu) in the carcasses of Demoiselle Cranes discovered deceased in Jaisalmer. The fatalities of these migratory birds, locally known as 'Kurjan', have raised concerns in the district, prompting alert teams from the Forest Department and Animal Husbandry Department.
The deceased birds' bodies have been interred following all necessary precautions, with field officers from the Veterinary Hospital, Medical Department, Forest Department, and Revenue Department placed on high alert, according to officials.
