The Hindu : Front Page : Transmitters fixed on birds

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Sunday, Dec 21, 2008
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Transmitters fixed on birds

P. Sudhakar

TIRUNELVELI: As part of the global fight against Avian flu, transmitters were fitted on migratory birds, particularly geese and duck species, at Koonthankulam bird sanctuary near here. The exercise was carried out to ascertain whether wild birds play an active role in spreading the disease, caused by H5N1 virus.

The exercise was jointly conducted by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Bombay Natural History Society with the assistance of locals who caught the birds with noose.

The transmitters, each weighing 30 gm and costing about Rs. 2 lakh, was fitted on the back (between the wings) after taking the physical measurements of the birds and collecting blood samples to check the presence of virus.

“We’ll get signals from the transmitters via satellite and hence its flyways can easily be tracked till it reaches its destination where the bird will be checked for the presence of Avian Influenza,” said By this exercise, we can know whether the winged visitors play a major role in spreading Avian Influenza,” said Scott Newman, Animal Health Officer - Infectious Disease Group, Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations. He said cross-border legal and illegal movement of animal and poultry products were also potential channels for the spread of H5N1 virus.

During his brief stay here, Dr. Scott and Assistant Director of BNHS S. Balachandran, gave an account of the flyways being used by the migratory birds to Department of Animal Husbandry officials.

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