The Rajasthan forest department has intensified efforts to protect the Great Indian Bustards from bird flu infection in Jaisalmer by implementing several measures, including increased vigilance and the construction of a separate water point for the avian species.
Following the death of a Demoiselle Crane—a migratory bird—in Jaisalmer, special monitoring and vigilance are being carried out at the stopover sites.
Deputy Forest Conservator of Desert National Park, Ashish Vyas, stated that the forest department has built a separate water point for the Great Indian Bustards in the areas they frequent.
If any dead bird affected by bird flu is found, the animal husbandry department will be notified immediately. Vyas also mentioned that the chicks of the Great Indian Bustard at the hatching centre in the Sam area of Jaisalmer have no contact with the outside world, and entry to the centre is strictly prohibited.
Vyas affirmed that they are constantly monitoring efforts to protect the Great Indian Bustard from bird flu.
To safeguard the birds in Jaisalmer, a team from the Veterinary Forest Department of the Wildlife Institute of India, working on the Great Indian Bustard Project, is keeping a 24-hour watch for any abnormal behaviour and other signs in the state bird.
After bird flu was confirmed, 28 Demoiselle Crane birds died from the disease. In response, quick response teams have been deployed, and field officers from the animal hospital, along with the medical, forest, and revenue departments, have been alerted.
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