Bengaluru: What was initially feared to be a fallout of searing summer heat has taken a more serious turn, with laboratory reports confirming that the deaths of 44 peacocks in Tumakuru were caused by H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The deaths were reported between April 16 and April 24 in Bommanahalli and Machenahalli villages of Tumakuru taluk. The revelation comes days after initial reports linked the bird deaths to extreme heat conditions, raising concerns among wildlife and animal health authorities.Samples collected from the carcasses confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus, according to forest officials, prompting authorities to shift focus from heat-related stress to disease containment, even as harsh weather is believed to have weakened the birds. The district administration has sounded a high alert in 33 villages within a 10-km radius and directed officials to undertake disinfectant spraying. “We have stepped up surveillance and put in place the preventive measures across the district to ensure the infection does not spread to other birds in the vicinity,” said Shashidhar GR, deputy conservator of forests, Tumakuru.Suspecting that the virus may have originated from nearby poultry farms, authorities have initiated containment measures, including sensitising poultry owners and traders and collecting samples from birds. Movement in and out of identified sensitive zones is being closely monitored, officials said. The district administration has also deployed a multi-departmental rapid response team, or RRT, comprising veterinarians, revenue officials, gram panchayat members and forest personnel, to oversee field-level surveillance. “Our major focus is to track any further cases and implement biosecurity measures,” a revenue department official from Tumakuru clarified.Forest officials added no fresh peacock deaths have been reported since April 23. “The situation is under control. Yet, we are continuously monitoring both the affected and adjoining areas.” — By Nadi Ganadhal
