Maddur: The death of 43 pelicans since December 5 in Kokrebellur surroundings is due to roundworms and not bird flu, confirmed experts after studying laboratory reports.
The villagers in the area had protested fearing bird flu in the area few days ago. Soon forest department swung into action and sprayed chemicals in the area as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of suspected bird flu. However, the recent findings confirm that the pelican deaths resulted from roundworms and not bird flu.
Few days ago, a pelican died near government higher primary school in the village after it fell down from a large tree.
Ningegowda, President of Hejjarle Balaga (meaning “relatives of pelican”) an NGO, which works in unison with the villagers in providing protection to these birds slit open the intestine and found roundworms inside.The pelican is suspected to have consumed a fish weighing 1.5 kgs before falling dead. However, clear picture about the lake source from which the pelican picked its prey has not emerged yet.
Chidanand, a bird lover in the area kept his ornithologist friend in US informed about the pelican deaths in the area. With help from Vet Dr. Satish , efforts are being made to preserve the viscera (remains of the bird with roundworms) using formalin, a chemical preservative. The same will be sent to US for further study to confirm the exact cause behind the death of pelicans, considered harbingers of good luck by the local community.
Villagers for now are a relieved lot, after bird flu rumours evaporated following recent laboratory findings.
