Mystery Over Deaths of Peacocks, Crows and Pigeons in Anantapur Area

Dozens of crows have reportedly died at the Sri Krishnadevaraya University premises in Anantapur. Similarly, pigeons are dying in the vicinity of Vanamitra Forest Park. Likewise, deaths of peacocks have been noticed in areas contiguous to forests. A large number of peacocks frequently visit the Satya Sai Junior College in the heart of Anantapur city

Professor Ravi Prasad Rao, Head of the Botany and Zoology department at SK University, has examined the dead crows and other birds. He said as per his preliminary estimate, birds are dying due to avian influenza virus.

The professor asked people not to touch the dead birds with their bare hands, as this could lead to respiratory problems and conjunctivitis. He suggested that gloves and masks be used to bury or cremate the dead birds.

Forest department officials say with mango trees flowering, many farmers are spraying their trees with pesticides. They suspect that the birds searching for food could have eaten these flowers, leading to their deaths.

Anantapur in-charge DFO Chakrapani told Deccan Chronicle that they rescued three peacocks that had been found unconscious on the ground in Narpala mandal on Sunday. “We have shifted them to Anantapur for treatment,” the DFO stated.