This story is from December 29, 2014

Footfall at Sultanpur down 30% over bird flu scare

The discovery of bird flu's highly infectious H5N1 virus strain in one of the samples taken from dead geese at Chandigarh's Sukhna lake has affected footfall at the Sultanpur National Park, with several bird watching and photography groups cancelling their trips because of the scare.
Footfall at Sultanpur down 30% over bird flu scare
GURGAON: The discovery of bird flu's highly infectious H5N1 virus strain in one of the samples taken from dead geese at Chandigarh's Sukhna lake has affected footfall at the Sultanpur National Park, with several bird watching and photography groups cancelling their trips because of the scare.
An official at the sanctuary said although it has been confirmed that migratory birds do not have any symptoms of avian flu, the footfall has decreased by roughly 30% over the past week.

"Last year, we witnessed good footfall even on foggy days. But people have become ultra cautious this year. There is no need to worry, though, as the wildlife department had taken several blood samples of birds and all reports are negative," said the official who did not wish to be named.
District wildlife officer Kulwinder Singh assured there is no need to panic, as the authorities are keeping a close watch on the birds. "The species found dead in Chandigarh and Tarn Taran in Punjab are being monitored. The department has installed CCTVs near Sultanpur Lake to see the movement of migratory birds," he said.
Despite assurances, birdwatchers are not leaving anything to chance, and are planning to stay away. Sanjeev Saxena of Gurgaon Photography Club, which had planned a trip last week, said that they cancelled the trip as they feel it is not safe to visit the sanctuary. "Avian influenza virus is quite strong and it can spread even if people come in contact with the excreta of birds. We, therefore, cancelled the trip," he said.
Kavita Srivastava, an avid birder, said, "Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a heaven for bird lovers.
I am extremely disappointed I had to cancel a bird watching session with my friends, due to the bird flu scare."
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA