Demoiselle cranes vaxxed in Jodhpur

JAIPUR: For the first time in Rajasthan, demoiselle cranes have been vaccinated in Khichan village in Phalodi tehsil against Ranikhet (Newcastle) disease, suspected to be spreading rapidly among migratory birds.
Over the past three days, more than 80 demoiselle cranes were found dead, purportedly from the disease, in Jodhpur region. Though no deaths have been reported at the Khichan Bird Sanctuary, the animal husbandry, forest department and locals have started a week-long vaccination drive as a precautionary measure.
Bhagirath Soni, veterinary officer, said the animal husbandry department started the vaccination drive on Monday.
The vaccine is sprayed on the feed (barley) provided to these cranes in the feeding area. Also, it is given to these birds with the drinking water. “These migratory birds are vaccinated using Lasota strain vaccine. Due to Diwali, only small flocks were present as they were disturbed by fire-crackers. We will intensify our drive after these migratory birds start returning to the feeding area,” Soni said.
Experts said Ranikhet was highly contagious and often a fatal viral disease for birds caused by a paramyxovirus. Young birds are more susceptible to the disease than adults. It is characterised by respiratory problems, torticollis (twisting of neck), paralysis of legs and wings.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) member Dau Lal Bohra said, “The forest department should closely monitor the situation in nearby areas as the disease can be transmitted through infected migratory birds. As it is an airborne virus, it is able to spread extremely quickly, especially in poultry farms where there are thousands of chickens in close proximity.”
These migratory birds from colder regions of Eurasia fly to India in October and roost in various places in the state till March in large numbers.
According to Sevaram, a caretaker at the sanctuary, there are over 15,000 demoiselle cranes in the surrounding areas of Khichan and the number is expected to increase by mid-November.