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More than 40 migratory birds have died at Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan: officials

More than 40 migratory birds have died at Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan: officials

More than 40 migratory birds belonging to two to three different species have been found dead near Sambhar Lake in Jaipur district over the past two weeks, raising concerns among officials. The exact cause of death is still under investigation; samples of internal organs have been sent for analysis, which is expected to clarify the situation by the end of the week.

Earlier in 2019, more than 18 thousand migratory birds from 13 to 15 species died in the same region due to botulism. (PTI file photo)
Earlier in 2019, more than 18 thousand migratory birds from 13 to 15 species died in the same region due to botulism. (PTI file photo)

Initial examinations suggest the birds may have contracted avian botulism, a severe neuromuscular disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in low-oxygen environments. Earlier in 2019, more than 18 thousand migratory birds from 13 to 15 species died in the same region due to botulism.

Sambhar Salt Lake is located 80 km southwest of the city of Jaipur and is the largest inland salt lake in India. It is a recognized wetland of international importance and a key wintering site for tens of thousands of birds.

Nava (Didwana-Kuchaman) divisional officer Jitu Kulhari said around 40 migratory birds were found dead in the last 24 hours: around 30 were found on Saturday and 10 today. “Birds are mostly migratory. Some have also been rescued and are showing symptoms of paralysis indicating botulism,” she said.

She added that teams from forestry, environmental, livestock and district administrations are working together. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed and areas in the deeper parts of the lake are also being checked. Directions were given to remove the dead birds immediately to avoid the spread of botulism.

However, according to the forestry department, the death toll is approaching ten.

Nagaur Deputy Conservator of Forest Sunil Kumar Singh said the dead birds found include Northern Shoveler and Black-winged Stilt. “About six people were found dead, some were rescued. Apparently, the cause of death was botulism. The samples were collected and sent to the government laboratory and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly.”

He added that the department is on high alert and conducts regular monitoring.

A senior forest official said ground level assessments indicate that heavy rainfall in Sambhar in 2019 created many new water bodies after a gap of several years, increasing salinity levels and causing toxicity. It is also being investigated whether it was caused by water contamination or algae poisoning.