Six migratory birds died in a week in Vidyaranyapuram

Mysuru: Six painted storks have died due to suspected Ranikhet disease in Vidyaranyapuram in the past 10 days. The veterinaries have sent the samples from the dead birds to Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals in Bengaluru for confirmation of the disease.
Ranikhet is a viral disease found only in painted storks, a migratory bird.
Mahaveer Ramaprasad, corporator, Ward No 55 said: “In the past ten days, nearly eight to ten migratory birds have died. I immediately brought it to the notice of veterinarians who in turn visited the spot and sent the samples to Bengaluru.”
Dr Nagaraj, assistant director, veterinary hospital, Chamundipuram, told TOI “When we got information from the local corporator about the death of migratory birds, we rushed to the spot. These birds died on February 28 and 29. On Saturday too, two birds died. The migratory birds come to nearby sewage water bodies and later in the evening they stay on two trees. They leave in the morning. They might have died while resting in the trees. We are keeping a watch on other birds but we have not got any report about more deaths other than the six painted storks. If it is Ranikhet disease, it is not communicable to human beings. We have trimmed the tree and have told the concerned authorities to make it more hygienic. We are expecting results from the laboratory by Monday or Tuesday.”
He also said that it is the first time that deaths of painted storks have been reported in such numbers in Mysuru.
Tourists come with masks
Meanwhile, most tourists visiting Mysuru are found wearing masks, possibly as a preventive measure against coronavirus.
Narayanagowda, president of Hotel Owners Association, said: “Compared to last year, there is 20 to 30% less tourists this year. In February and March the inflow of tourists is generally less due to exams. However, this year, there is a further dip in tourist arrivals, possibly due to the scare over coronavirus.”