Post News Network
Khurda, Dec 15: Death of 18 peacocks due to suspected bird-flu in the district last week has been denied.
According to a test report released by Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), under Indian Council of Agriculture Research, the death of 18 peacocks and two other birds was not due to avian influenza in Madhupur forest. Commissioner-cum-secretary to Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department Bishnupada Sethi said the scientists of NIHSAD found no symptom of avian flu in the preliminary samples sent to the laboratory.
The scientists said the samples of dead peacocks, crow and crane were tested negative for avian
influenza after being examined at the laboratory. ‘‘After checking the subsequent samples the scientists informed us that there is no virus of avain flu,’’ Sethi pointed out.
The Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), meanwhile, will examine the cause
of death. Khurda forest department
personnel Tuesday reported that a peacock near a poultry farm under Kumarbasta area was ailing.
They said the bird’s neck has swollen and it faced difficulty in walking, department sources said. The Khurda forest range members had brought the injured peacock to Ketakijhar Central Nursery for its treatment.
Forest ranger Dilip Kumar Rout said the peacock found in Kumarbasta was administered medicine after consultation with OUAT doctors. Since the Madupur forest is close to Kumarbasta, the officials were under the impression that bird flu or avian influenza might have afflicted its peacock.
December 8, 20 birds including 18 peacocks were found dead in Madhupur village forest of Khurda.
