Surat: In wake of avian influenza cases, crows and migratory birds injured by the deadly manja, used to fly kites will be treated at a separate facility.
Till last year, all types of birds were treated at a common facility set up during Uttarayan festival by the forest department and NGOs.
But this year considering bird flu cases detected among crows, separate facilities have been set up at Dumas.
“The current strain of bird flu seems to be affecting crows. Taking this into consideration, we have set up a separate facility in Dumas,” deputy conservator of forest, Puneet Nayyar, told TOI.
The treatment and rescue centre has been set up at a vacant government building. With the support of the animal husbandry department, injured birds will provided treatment.
Every year, a number of crows are injured due to kite thread while a few seagulls and flamingos have also been found injured in the past.
Unlike past years, due to strict bird flu protocol, the NGOs working for bird rescue and their treatment have reduced the number of veterinarians and volunteers.
All those involved in bird rescue and treatment are required to wear PPE kits, gloves, face shieldand protective glasses.
“Only a few selected persons will be involved in the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation. We have arranged for around 500 PPE kits and more will be sourced if required,” said Darshan Desai of Prayas Team Environment (PTE). According to PTE there has been a drop in bird rescue calls this year ahead of the kite festival.