Probe into mystery bird deaths

Razeena Razick and Kurunegala Additional District Group Corr.

NIKAWERATIYA: Hundreds of birds have died from a mysterious disease at the Kottuatthawala bird sanctuary in Nikaweratiya during the last few days. The disease started spreading on December 29.

Veterinary surgeons from the Peradeniya University are investigating the bird deaths.

This bird park covers 56 acres and villagers say migratory birds have been coming there for more than 50 years. More than 200,000 local and migratory birds live in this lake paradise including Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, little Egret, great Egret, Black Crown, Asian Oceanbil and Black Headed Ibish.

Most foreign birds migrate to this sanctuary from August to April. Given this time frame, veterinary experts suspect it could be a non-indigenous ailment.

The inspection was conducted by Prof. Malith Pieris and a team of veterinary experts. Officers from the Wildlife Department are assisting them.

They have forwarded tissue samples of dead birds to the Government Analyst's Department for further inspection. They have also strictly ordered the Veterinary Office in Kurunegala to prevent the public from using the lake in the sanctuary. Fishing will also be banned.