Kangra admn likely to lift restrictions soon

The Kangra administration is mulling lifting restrictions imposed in four subdivisions in the wake of bird flu outbreak after witnessing drastic decline in the deaths among migratory birds due to H5N1 virus.

Fifteen birds were found dead in the Pong Lake area on Monday, said divisional forest officer (wildlife) Rahul Rohane.

In last two days, 62 birds have died in the wetland.

The toll has reached 4,936 since the outbreak — 90% of them bar-headed geese.

The disease was believed to have spread from migratory birds.

Meanwhile, Kangra DC Rakesh Kumar Prajapati said the administration would be reviewing the situation as there has been a decline in the deaths among migratory birds.

“There has been steep dip in the bird flu cases in the Pong Lake area. We would soon review the situation,” said Prajapati.

“Also, no virus strain was found in the lake waters. Restrictions would be lifted soon after getting government’s consent,” he added.

Deaths were initially reported in the wetland on December 28, when a common teal and four bar-headed geese were found dead.

National Institute of High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, had confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus in the dead birds after which district administration banned the sale and export of poultry products in the four subdivisions — Dehra, Jawali, Fatehpur and Indora. Fishing and grazing were also banned.

Curbs had left the poultry farm owners, fisherman and those who run roadside eateries in a lurch.