With “mysterious deaths” of the migratory spot-billed pelican continuing to haunt Kokkare Bellur on the banks of the Shimsha in the district, Forest Department officials have decided to seek help from Delhi-based ornithologists.
In the past four weeks, despite officials taking “all possible care”, at least seven pelicans have died at Kokkare Bellur, a village in Maddur where hundreds of pelicans arrive every year to roost and breed.
Studies by the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru have ruled out the possibility of bird flu affecting the pelicans. Its reports stated that the birds died because of verminous petechial haemorrhage, said L. Prakash, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Mandya.
The series of avian deaths triggered panic among bird lovers and prompted the authorities, including forest and veterinary department officials, to initiate various measures such as spraying anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents in the village.
Sanketh, noted ornithologist from New Delhi, is expected to visit Kokkare Bellur on Monday to treat birds and find the cause of death, Mr. Prakash told The Hindu on Wednesday.
He said personnel from various agencies and local volunteers would assist Dr. Sanketh and his team. Samples of water and food will be collected from the nearby areas and ponds to ascertain the cause of death.
Meanwhile, according to Mr. Prakash, two more adult birds were found exhausted and fell off tree on Tuesday evening. “The birds were exhausted and the chance of their survival is slim. However, they are under the care of experts,” he said.
