India: Hundreds of Crows, Storks, Pigeons and Mynahs Found Dead, Sparks Bird Flu Scare in Odisha

“Malkangiri (Odisha), Jan 22 (PTI) The death of a large number of birds at several places in this tribal district of Odisha has triggered a bird flu scare, especialy with villagers throwing carcasses in the open. Hundreds of dead birds including crows, storks, pigeons and mynahs were seen in many villages under Malkangiri and Korkunda blocks during the last week. ‘We just received a report about death of birds. A team of veterinarians rushed to the area to initiate remedial measures,’ chief district veterinary officer Rabi Narayan Behera said. Meanwhile, due to lack of awareness, fear stricken people threw carcasses in the open which were then devoured by stray dogs and other animals. ‘No step has been taken by the district administration to create awareness among the people on dealing with bird carcasses. Ignorant villagers throw them here and there, causing health hazards in the area,’ said village president of MV-20 Subash Banarjee. Another village leader, Paritosh Ray, said that people have been advised not to eat the fowls, even as poultry business in the area came to a standstill. A member of the state bird-flu team Rajesh Kumar Kuanr, now on a tour of the district, said they were yet to get proper information about the incident. ‘We will rush to the spot once we get the information from the concerned authorities,’ Kuanr said.” Source – IBNLive.