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Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=231360
Orrisa Plus
Migratory birds bring in fear of avian influenza
Statesman News Service
KENDRAPARA, Nov 17: With avian guests from across cool northern hemispheres making their annual journey to water bodies within the Bhitarkanika national park here, forests and wildlife personnel are, as a matter of abundant precaution, on high alert to prevent possible outbreak of avian influenza.
Preparations for arrival of migratory birds were often confined to patrolling to prevent poaching and restrictions of use of motorised boats. But over the years routine preparations have included measures to prevent bird flu.
The forest and animal and husbandry department in a joint exercise have stepped up watch and vigil on the winged species though no bird carrying symptoms of flu-infection has been sighted as yet, according to official sources. Habitats within the Bhitarkanika national park are so far found free from avian influenza fear. No bird is spotted drooping, said officials.
Instructions have been issued to ground level staff to segregate the birds found drooping from other birds and conduct the blood sample for test check.
This time, the vigil is greater on great cormorant species which are found making yearly visits to this wetland from central Asian countries. Reports say the said species besides host of other winter migrant avian species are vulnerable to flu attack.
Orrisa Plus
Migratory birds bring in fear of avian influenza
Statesman News Service
KENDRAPARA, Nov 17: With avian guests from across cool northern hemispheres making their annual journey to water bodies within the Bhitarkanika national park here, forests and wildlife personnel are, as a matter of abundant precaution, on high alert to prevent possible outbreak of avian influenza.
Preparations for arrival of migratory birds were often confined to patrolling to prevent poaching and restrictions of use of motorised boats. But over the years routine preparations have included measures to prevent bird flu.
The forest and animal and husbandry department in a joint exercise have stepped up watch and vigil on the winged species though no bird carrying symptoms of flu-infection has been sighted as yet, according to official sources. Habitats within the Bhitarkanika national park are so far found free from avian influenza fear. No bird is spotted drooping, said officials.
Instructions have been issued to ground level staff to segregate the birds found drooping from other birds and conduct the blood sample for test check.
This time, the vigil is greater on great cormorant species which are found making yearly visits to this wetland from central Asian countries. Reports say the said species besides host of other winter migrant avian species are vulnerable to flu attack.