Bhitarkanika inhabitants alerted on bird flu

Kendrapada, Nov 8 (UNI) With the arrival of winter birds in the Bhitarkanika National Park, the Forest department officials have alerted the inhabitants to take precautionary measures from bird flu.

The officials had started distributing the leaflets to create awareness about the disease, keeping in mind that the migratory birds might have carried H5N1 virus with them, Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer A K Jena said.

The DFO said the locals were alerted as the migratory birds were coming from the countries, where the bird flu had already assumed endemic proportion last year.

He said though the avian species had started arriving at the National Park, so far none of the winged guests had been found infected with bird flu virus.

The forest officials, Mr Jena said, were keeping a close watch on the activities of the winged visitors and urged the locals to take adequate precaution.

The avian species like Bar Headed Goose, Brahmin Duke and other wild species were more vulnerable to carry the flu virus as they come form Northern Hemisphere Siberia, middle East Asian and also on their way cross China, Laddakha, Mansorabar Lake and Tibet to arrive in Bhitarkanika.

Meanwhile, the state chief wildlife warden had directed the Bhitarkanika forest officials to monitor the arrival of the migratory birds and take adequate precaution against any bird species exhibiting sign of indifferent behaviour .

The forest officials had asked the locals not to throng the place where the birds had congregated in a large number in the heronry and not to expose the domestic poultry with the birds in the congregation place.

The DFO had asked the District Magistrate to give direction to the animal husbandry unit and veterinary to remain alert to face any eventuality.

The Chief Wildlife Warden had directed the forest officials to use surgical masks, special costumes, tubes glasses and gloves while collecting blood sample of birds.

UNI XC DP SJC SHB DB2042