MITHI: Around 25 more peacocks died of Newcastle (Ranikhet) disease in different villages of Tharparkar within two days. While several others are reported to be infected, the disease-infested birds stopped drinking water a few days ago. With the latest fatalities, the number of peacock deaths has climbed to hundred.
According to details, 10 peacocks in Keeriyo Dal, Pattia villages and 03 peacocks in Okhariyo village of taluka Nagarparkar and 12 peacocks in village Tarr Jeneja of taluka Diplo died owing to ‘Ranikhet’ disease in district Tharparkar within two days. Environmental changes, shortage of food, water and other factors could have contributed to the weakening of the resistant system of the peacocks, leading to death.
Bherji Singh, Neembraj, Rajmal Singh, Bhemu Mahraj and other villagers were of the opinion that the department concerned has not taken any step to stop the death of the precious birds, which were the identity and beauty of the region. Stating severe concerns over deceases of the beautiful birds, they have appealed the wildlife department for taking steps to overcome the prevailing position.
While hundreds of peacocks expire every year, curative measures have yet to been taken by administration to avoid the spread of this virus.
