Gurgaon: Days after three migratory birds succumbed to the H5N1 influenza virus at Delhi zoo, wildlife authorities at Sultanpur National Park — one of the popular destination of migratory birds in the National Capital Region — and experts from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched a sanitisation drive to prevent the outbreak of avian flu in the park.
The wildlife wing of the Haryana forest department on Thursday conducted a survey in the park, and claimed that all the birds, including domestic and migratory, are in good health and there is no symptom of avian flu. The officials, however, claim they will monitor activities of birds, particularly those fly to Sultanpur from foreign countries, on a daily basis.
Thousands of migratory birds from Russia, Europe, China, the Gulf and Siberia flock to Sultanpur during winter. As the temperature has started to decline, setting stage for the arrival of migratory birds, the chance of spreading avian flu is very high, according to experts.
"In the wake of bird deaths at Delhi zoo owing to avian flu, we conducted a survey in the pak. We will be taking all precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease," district wildlife officer Shyam Sunder Kaushik told TOI, adding that they are monitoring the activities of birds closely with the help of telescopic binoculars.
He said after the survey, the officials collected blood and excreta samples of birds to examine their fitness.
"At present, all the birds in Sultanpurpark appear to be in good health. None of them was found to be staying lonely or aloof, which is considered as a symptom of avian flu. However, we are keeping close vigil on the activities of birds," said Kaushik. He also said they are not going to shut the park for visitors as of now.
In January 2015, around 47 birds — mostly Eurasian coots — were found dead inside the sanctuary.
At present, birds like black-winged stilt, pond heron, pied kingfisher, purple heron, shoveler, white-breasted water hen, white-throated kingfisher, munia, rosy starling, drongo, ring-necked dove, blue-capped rock thrush, canary-flycatcher and prinia among others are found at the Sultanpurpark.
Also, birds like bar-headed goose, greylag goose, northern pintail, plovers, isabelline shrike, green-winged teal, gadwall, mallard, ruddy shelduck and common pochard are expected to migrate to the park by the end of October.
