14 more cranes die in Jaisalmer, toll rises to 28

Fourteen Demoiselle Cranes were found dead in Jaisalmer district in a single day, triggering panic of bird flu.

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER:

According to Umesh Vragatibar, joint director of animal husbandry department, Jaisalmer, six dead cranes were discovered on January 11, two on January 12, another two on January 13, three on January 15, and one on January 16.

In total, 28 cranes have died over the last one week.

"The National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed H5N1 avian flu in crane carcasses from Luneri Pond in Jaisalmer on Wednesday. Following the report, the forest and animal husbandry departments have been placed on high alert," Vragatibar said.

Meanwhile, increasing bird deaths have sparked widespread fear, prompting the government to mobilise Quick Response Team (QRT), medical departments, forest departments, and revenue departments.