Visitors have been warned of not to visit Nalabana bird sanctuary in Chilika in view of the outbreak of bird flu(avian influenza virus) being detected barely a few kilometres away from the Nalabana Sanctuary.The restriction which came into force yesterday by Administration.Tourists are getting disappointment as they return without visiting the site now.
Except the restricted areas of 15.53 sq km area of Nalabana,its outer periphery usually doesn’t want a permission to visit from forest department.12 teams of State Forest department is now patrolling there day and night.
This Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary popularly known as Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is a large Island covering 15.53 sq.km in the lagoon area declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1987.The The central part of about 6 sq km attracts around 4000,000 water fowls of different species.
After it came to notice that some crows and chickens found dead inside the paultry farms in Krushnaprasad block,12 samples from migratory birds were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, for testing.
The concerned administration is dealing with the matter very seriously, as the affected areas are close to the Chilika lake, where a large number of migratory birds gathers during this winter season.The district administration on Friday began culling of chickens in two villages Maluda and Patharganj near Chilika lake, a day after the Odisha government declared the area as bird flu-hit, officials said.10 rapid response teams have been formed for carrying out the culling.
A ban has also been imposed on the sale and transportation of egg and chicken in a radius of 10 km from the affected areas.The Puri district administration has also directed officials to do surveillance within 10 km radius of the epicentre.
Confirming culling of birds in Krushnaprasad block, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Pradeep Maharathy said compensation will be provided to those being affected by the culling.
“We are taking steps to ensure that the avian influenza do not spread to other areas,” he said. On 3rd day of culling 3600 chickens carried out in that affected ares.The district officials have been directed to cull birds and dispose of the carcasses and infected materials, besides restricting access to the infected areas.
