Shimla, Jan 17 (UNI) The outbreak of avian influenza at Pong Dam Wildlife Life Sanctuary among migratory birds in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh “appears to be contained” with a sharp decline in bird mortalities for the past five days.
This was stated by the state wildlife wing in a statement issued on Sunday.
Chief wildlife warden Archana Sharma said around 21 birds were found dead in the sanctuary on Sunday, including only one bird in the entire Dhameta range.
She said the wildlife staff continues to work in the sanctuary as per recommended protocols and drone technology is being used to monitor the inaccessible areas of the wetland.
Water birds started dying in large numbers in and around the wetland in late December, and samples of some of the carcasses tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza on January 4.
Since Thursday, the daily mortalities have fallen below the 100 mark. A total of 4,921 migratory birds have been found dead at the wetland so far.
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