Bhubaneswar: The Krushnaprasad block in Puri district has been gripped by fear following the mysterious deaths of thousands of crows over the last week. Earlier, a similar situation was reported when thousands of chickens perished in nearby poultry farms, raising concerns about a possible bird flu outbreak.

Despite media reports highlighting the bird deaths, local authorities have failed to take prompt action. Alarmingly, chickens are still being sold openly in the area, and some locals continue to consume chicken without considering the health risks.

The unexplained deaths of crows have fueled public demand for an investigation by the Animal Husbandry Department to determine the exact cause. Concerns are growing about the potential spread of bird flu to migratory birds in the Chilika Lake and Nalabana area, one of Asia’s largest wintering grounds for waterfowl. The implications for human health have also raised serious apprehensions.

Migratory Birds and Public Health at Risk

The large-scale deaths have drawn attention to the lack of proactive measures by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA). With the region being a hub for migratory birds, there are fears that the infection could spread rapidly among the avian population, threatening the ecological balance of Chilika Lake. Residents have also expressed concerns over potential transmission to humans, making the need for intervention even more urgent.

Locals Demand Government Action
Local communities have demanded that the Odisha government and CDA immediately initiate steps to investigate the cause of these deaths. A thorough probe and stringent measures are crucial to prevent the spread of infection to Chilika’s migratory birds and safeguard public health.

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