Authorities silence over killings of wild peacocks in Thar

The existence of brightly colored peacocks, which are a common sight in the Thar Desert, is now under severe threat from a high infectious and deadly viral disease.

The blue peacocks, considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world stray freely in the deserts of Tharparkar. These can usually be seen majestically strolling and dancing in the open, particularly in the morning and evening.

Peacocks are prone to diseases like these, as they’re not particularly clean animals but the deaths of so many and the inaction on the part of the authorities to investigate is sad.

According to the media reports, peacocks are being killed by the Newcastle Disease, locally known as Rani Khait.

Rani Khait is a highly contagious disease of birds caused by a paramyxo virus, which affects many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds. The disease is a worldwide problem and sporadic outbreaks occur frequently.

Affected birds may show a range of signs from mild illness to severe disease with dullness, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, diarrhoea and nervous signs. The death toll in district Tharparkar is alone to 172, while across Sindh it has reached 198.

The Wildlife department said this disease has duration of 2 to 18 days, but despite passage of one month the death of peacocks’ from this disease hasn’t stopped. It is feared that the disease has fanned to the adjoining districts and villages of the province.

The reports quoting local people said that they have seen many sick peacocks whirling and frothing saliva from the mouth. There are also many whose feathers are falling.

According to media reports and findings of veterinarian experts from Sindh Agricultural University, the Sindh Wildlife Department lacks the ability and resources to cope with the spread of Newcastle Disease in peacocks in Thar district.

It is feared that if the Newcastle Disease is not controlled in due time, it might lead to extinction of these exotic birds in this part of the world.

The disease reportedly transferred from hens to these peacocks. The deaths of hundreds of peacocks in the area were worrying for nature lovers.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Aug 6 2012. Filed under Opinion, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.