KARACHI, Nov 9: Health experts have expressed concern over reports of death of migratory birds coming to Indus Delta destination to escape harsh Siberian winter. They fear migratory birds may be infected by avian influenza that recently killed 14,000 wild and domestic fowls in Siberian region of Russia.

“Reports of dead birds found in Badin waters is of major concern considering the non-availability of proper vaccination facilities,” a veterinary expert told PPI on condition of anonymity.

He said any conformation of presence of virus in the Sindh province could only be ascertained after test reports were received. Between 700,000 to 120,000 of different bird species make stopovers in Pakistan while heading towards final destination of Bharatpure in India, he added.

The International Migratory Route No 4 also known as Indusfly and Green Route is the busiest among the seven migratory bird routes. Waterfowl, cranes, teals, pintail, mallard, gadwall, houbara bustard, Siberian crane and numerous other species stopover at wetlands in Chitral, Nowshera, Swat, Pubjab and Sindh while travelling on this route.

Experts believe virus could be transmitted to domestic poultry if they inhale pulverized faces of infected birds.

“Migratory waterfowls abound around Karachi from September to November,” said a bird expert.

He said that major source of drinking water for Karachi originated from water reservoirs including Haleji Lake, Hub Dam and Keenjhar Lake.

These water reserves are internationally well known for breeding, staging and wintering migratory waterfowl.

Avian influenza could survive up to three months in ponds/lake water, he warned adding “virus can be isolated from water even after migratory birds have left.”

However, outbreak of deadly H5-N1 strain had not yet been identified in Karachi though less dangerous H7 and H9 strains did devastate local poultry in the past. H5-N1 strain had killed more than 60 people in Asia.

Despite such concerns, a poultry dealer says that chances of close contact between migratory birds and domestic poultry are less.

“Poultry is bred indoors. It is impossible that poultry, being supplied to Karachi, gets infected,” he claimed.—PPI