Pelican death not due to bird flu, says report

Mysuru: Results of the samples collected from dead pelicans at Kukkarahalli Lake and at Kokkare Bellur near Mandya have tested negative for avian influenza. The reports confirmed in their autopsy report that the dead birds were suffering from acute parasitic infection. The Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAHVB), Bengaluru, tested the samples sent by the office of Assistant Director, City Veterinary Hospital, Mysuru. After testing the cloacal swabs, tracheal swabs and organ samples of the pelican, the institute, in its report, said the samples had been tested negative for Influenza type ‘A’ specific and Influenza H5 specific. With this report, the fears of suspected bird flu had been scientifically allayed. But the report did not explain the actual cause for the death. According to Animal Husbandry Department officers, the pelicans died due to acute parasitic infection, and not of avian flu. They said that polluted water might have been the reason. Veterinary experts said that parasitic infections can be more deadly for birds as they die due to internal bleeding.