Avian Flu Kills 45 Birds in Sultanpur Sanctuary

At least 45 migratory birds were found dead in the Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon on Sunday.

At least 45 migratory birds were found dead in the Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon, India on Sunday amid a scare of a highly-pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) spreading in the region.

Gurgaon forest and wildlife department and district administration has been placed on high vigil following the development. The department of health has also been asked to be alert for any emergency.

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However, sources said that there was no clarity on the exact figures of dead birds.

The sanctuary is spread over a vast 352-acre area. Officials of the wildlife department are facing difficulties in reaching some areas and they feel the toll could go higher than the estimated 45.

"We have sent samples of the dead birds to the laboratories in Bhopal and Jalandhar to ascertain the cause of death,” said a senior official of the Gurgaon administration.

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The health authorities have also informed adjoining villages and their neighbouring Delhi counterparts to keep a close eye on ill or dead birds in their respective areas. Birds from Siberia inhabit areas stretching from Sultanpur National Park to Najafgarh in this season. The villagers have been told to alert the authorities if they come across suspicious developments.