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Bird flu threat: Samples of three ducks from lake in Rohtak sent for test
After samples of five dead geese from a Hisar lake tested positive for bird flu, blood samples of three ducks from Rohtak’s Tilyar lake have been sent to a laboratory in Jalandhar.
After samples of five dead geese from a Hisar lake tested positive for bird flu, blood samples of three ducks from Rohtak’s Tilyar lake have been sent to a laboratory in Jalandhar.
Sources said the reports of the samples, which were sent on Saturday, were awaited.
Amid high alert regarding bird flu in Haryana, district authorities have formed special teams to keep a check on migratory birds at the Tilyar lake.
The authorities said since ducks easily caught the flu, they had been placed inside an iron mesh to avoid contact with other migratory birds.
The lake, spread over several acres, is a favourite destination of migratory birds that keep flying in from November to February.
However, district deputy director of animal husbandry department Dr Surya said there was no reason to worry. “It is expected that samples would test negative. We have kept the ducks in cage for monitoring and keeping a vigil at migratory birds,” he said.
The teams also found some dead birds in the area. However, officials at the lake ruled out that the deaths could be caused by bird flu. “The death of these birds was not caused by bird flu. They could be dead for several days, but have been found now. There’s no bird flu threat from them,” they added.
