Indian Bird Sanctuary Deaths

Dead birds in sanctuary
6 February 2006

NEW DELHI — The carcasses of 47 birds were found in a bird sanctuary on
the outskirts of the Indian capital on Saturday, wildlife officials and
activists said yesterday. The birds had most likely died of poisoning and
not any disease like bird flu, officials added.

The carcasses, found on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Okhla Bird
Sanctuary, have been sent to state-run laboratories for further
investigation into the cause of death, said K.K. Ashraf, director of the
non-profit Wildlife Trust of India. Six species were found among the dead
birds, including shoveller ducks which migrate to India in winter from
Russia and northern China. The other species included the common teal,
cormorants and egrets, forest officer K.K. Singh said. "Fresh fish were
found in the digestive tracts of the birds, indicating the death was sudden
due to eating of poisoned fish," Belinda Wright of the Wildlife Protection
Society of India told the Hindustan Times. Both officials and the activists
said they are alarmed by the deaths.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/su bcontinent/2006/February/subcontinent_February234.xml§io n=subcontinent&col=

I always say, if it wobbles like an infected bird, dies like an infected bird,
it must be infected.

"Six species were found among the dead birds, including
shoveller ducks which migrate to India in winter from Russia and northern
China."

The other thing that struck me be was the variety of different birds. I find
it unlikely that so many would share the same " poisoned fish".

Another question. Why were the fish poisoned, with
what, and why?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Edited by Rick

Swans were dying in Southport, England last week.