20 peacocks found dead in Khurda forest

Carcasses of at least 20 peacocks were found lying in Madhupur village forest in Khurda district on Tuesday morning.

Veterinarians and wildlife experts hint at possible bird flu deaths.

“Bodies of 20 peacocks and other birds were found lying scattered in small patch of forest near Madhupur. Veterinarians from Odisha University of Agriculture Technology collected all bodies for their tests,” said Akshaya Patnaik, Divisional Forest Officer for Khurda Forest Division.

Although there was no confirmation about bird flu deaths, bodies were buried as per procedures followed in the event of bird flu outbreak. A few samples were sent to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal for ascertaining if deaths had occurred due to any avian influenza.

Mr. Patnaik said: “Since paddy crop cutting has already been completed in the surrounding areas, there was little chance of deliberate poisoning of birds. We are keeping a close watch in the forest.”

“We have also asked villagers to stay alert and inform forest officials immediately if they come across any further deaths in their surroundings,” said Mr. Patnaik.

Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife), OUAT veterinarians and other officials from wildlife wings are expected to visit the place on Wednesday. The Madhupur village forest is contiguous to Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest officials were worried about its impact on birds in the sanctuary.