JAIPUR: For the first time in Rajasthan, demoiselle cranes have been vaccinated in the village Khichan in Phalodi Tehsil against Ranikhet disease (Newcastle), allegedly spread rapidly among migratory birds.
During the last three days, more than 80 demoiselle cranes found dead, supposedly from the disease, in the region of Jodhpur.
Although no deaths have been reported in Khichan Bird Sanctuary, the farm, the forest department and local residents have started a vaccination for a week as a precaution.
Bhagirath Soni, animal health officer, said the animal husbandry department began to drive vaccinations on Monday.
The vaccine is sprayed on the feed (barley) given to the crane in the dining area.
Additionally, given to these birds with drinking water.
“Migrant birds are vaccinated using a vaccine strain Lasota.
Because of Diwali, only a small herd are present because they were interrupted by a fire-crackers.
We will intensify our efforts after this migratory birds begin returning to the area to eat, “said Soni.
Experts say Ranikhet is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease for birds caused by a paramyxovirus.
The young birds are more susceptible to disease than adults.
It is characterized by respiratory problems, torticollis (twisted neck), paralysis of the legs and wings.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) member Dau Lal Bohra said, “The forest department should monitor the situation in the nearby area as the disease can be transmitted through infected migratory birds.
Because an airborne virus, it can spread very quickly, especially in poultry farms where there are thousands of chickens in close proximity.
” Birds that migrate from the cold regions of Eurasia fly to India in October and perch in various places in the state until March in large quantities.
According Sevaram, a guard in the sanctuary, there are over 15,000 demoiselle cranes in the vicinity of Khichan and this number is expected to rise in mid-November.