Reports from the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary, Biologicals, Bengaluru, have attributed the cause of death of spot-billed pelicans at Kokkarebellur to verminous petechial haemorrhage.
The death of four birds at Kokkarebellur, on the banks of Shimsha, near Maddur recently, had triggered panic among environmentalists and the samples of the carcasses had been sent for tests.
Verminous petechial haemorrhage is a condition where birds die from bleeding owing to the overload of worms in their stomach. The tests also ruled out avian influenza, said L. Prakash, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Mandya.
Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, the officer added: “All the dead birds were roosting on a single tree. But, it was a coincidence. The department will also test the samples of water and food of birds from nearby waterbodies.” Though the reports ruled out avian influenza, the departments of forest and animal husbandry have intensified surveillance at Kokkarebellur and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Srirangapatna, a forest officer said. Veterinary experts have been monitoring the birds besides collecting bird droppings. Environmentalists, ornithologists and villagers too are monitoring the situation.
While Ranganathittu on the banks of the Cauvery is a natural bird sanctuary, Kokkare Bellur has been attracting pelicans for decades, as the villagers affectionately nurture them.
As all four dead pelicans were roosting on a single tree, the Forest Department is contemplating seeking help of arborists to study the condition of the tree, said sources.