Death of 27 migratory birds leads to Bird Flu scare in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, which witnessed a temporary lull in bird flu cases, has once again reported deaths of migratory birds and this time the bar headed geese seem to be the latest victim of the H5N1 virus.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Archana Sharma said 27 birds were found dead during the last three days at the state’s Pong Dam wetland.

This development comes just two months after the avian influenza, which ravaged the region, had resulted in the death of over 5,000 migratory birds. Of these, 70 percent were the bar headed geese.

The virus was first confirmed in the state in March, when 14 bird carcasses were spotted on March 25.

Officials believe that there is no cause for concern as most of the migratory birds that visit the Pong Dam wetland every year have already returned to their natural habitats near Tibet, China and Magnolia.

Some wildlife experts are also of the view that the birds which died might have come to the state from wetlands in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

However, as a precautionary measure, the wetland sanctuary has been closed for visitors.