Death kites create panic in Siliguri

Siliguri, Feb 24 (UNI) Ten kites were found dead here yesterday, with the locals fearing that the cause of death had been avian flu.

The bodies were found near Siliguri Sadar Hospital and Pradhan Nagar. Three birds were found in critical condition.

District administration had ruled out avian influenza as the possible cause of death.

Joint Director, Animal Resources Development (Jalpaiguri), Laxmi Narayan Bannerjee said, ''The birds have died of some unknown disease. Though the possibility of bird flu is remote, we are not leaving anything to chance. The bodies have been sent for post mortem.'' Two bodies each were sent to Salbani Veterinary Centre,divisional laboratory in Jalpaiguri and Regional Disease Diagonistic Laboratory in Kolkata.

The dead kites were indigenous ones and not migratory, which lessens the chances of them having contracted avian flu, Dr Bannerjee pointed out.

Environmentalist and Secretary of Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation Animesh Basu said, ''The cause of death must be ascertained beyond any scope of doubt.'' UNI XC SG/SRC1032