Bird flu is not due to migratory birds, says PCCF

There is no scientific proof to claim that migratory birds have spread the avian influenza (bird flu) in Andhra Pradesh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Chiranjiv Choudhary said. Reacting to the observations that migratory birds might have acted as virus (H5N1) carrier in the State, which allegedly led to the outbreak of bird flu, Mr. Chiranjiv told The Hindu, on Thursday that, no migratory bird in the State has been affected with the disease so far.  

He observed that there might be some other reasons for the outbreak of bird flu in the State, which could be established by through and proper research and scientific methods.  

Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and Director of Animal Husbandry Department T. Damodar Naidu had earlier expressed opined that the presence of the bird flu in Andhra Pradesh might be because of migratory birds. 

Mr. Chiranjiv explained that there are about 2 to 3 lakh migratory birds in the State, which come from long distances. They generally come to our State from faraway countries for winter shelter, as they tend to escape from the cold and harsh weather conditions prevailing in their habitations in those countries.  

The migratory birds flock to the areas like Kolleru, Pulicat, Coringa, Uppalapadu, Nelapattu, Rollapadu and other areas during winter to find warmer climates, abundant food sources, and suitable breeding grounds. Majority of the migratory birds come into the State by November and return by March or so. 

Mr. Chiranjiv said that instructed all the officials concerned to monitor the status of the birds, and their health conditions at the different habitations in the State.