Bird Flu Scare: Sultanpur National Park Shut After 40 Birds Found Dead

The Sultanpur National Park, a bird sanctuary in Gurgaon, India, has been shut down after nearly 40 birds were found dead inside on Saturday, triggering fears of bird flu. “More than 40 migratory birds were found dead inside the sanctuary on Saturday morning. Later, a team of veterinarians from the Animal Husbandry Department took blood samples. We have decided to shut down the sanctuary as precautionary measure,” said District Forest Officer K.S. Khatkar.

The seasonal wetland enthralls around 200 species of migratory birds from as far as Europe, Siberia and Central Asia. Also, it is an important refuge for several insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The wetland is a heaven for bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers especially during the period of October-March.

The forest officer maintained that most birds that died were seed-eating birds and probably fed on seeds sprayed with pesticides. Mr. Khatkar said the possibility of bird flu seemed remote.

“Prima facie, the dead birds did not show signs of bird flu. However, the samples will be sent to a laboratory in Bhopal to rule out bird flu completely,” Mr. Khatkar added.

In the wake of reports about bird deaths across Haryana, the Forest Department has hired flying trappers to take blood samples of birds in the national park. The report on the samples is still awaited.

Meanwhile, several bird enthusiasts who reached the park on Sunday were disappointed to find it closed.

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Source-Medindia