Around 200 parrots have died mysteriously along the banks of the Narmada River in the past four days in Khargone district, triggering alarm among residents and initial fears of a bird flu outbreak.
Forest and veterinary authorities, however, have ruled out avian influenza after post-mortem examinations. Officials confirmed that the deaths were caused by acute food poisoning, likely linked to human activity in the area.
“There were no traces of bird flu in any of the samples examined,” said district wildlife warden Tony Sharma, adding that several rescued parrots also died soon after due to the severity of the poisoning.
Veterinary officer Dr. Manisha Chauhan said the birds displayed classic symptoms of poisoning, including disorientation and sudden collapse. “The pattern of deaths and clinical signs clearly pointed away from infectious disease,” she said.
Investigations suggest that improper feeding by visitors at a popular aqueduct bridge near Badwah may have been the primary trigger. Officials found rice grains, pebbles and remnants of cooked food in the stomachs of the dead parrots, indicating they had consumed leftovers thrown by people visiting the riverbank.
Experts also suspect secondary factors may have worsened the impact. Parrots foraging in nearby agricultural fields may have ingested pesticide-laced grains, while polluted river water could have compounded the toxic exposure. Dr. Suresh Baghel, veterinary extension officer, warned that many human foods are unsuitable for parrots and can overwhelm their digestive systems, leading to rapid organ failure.
In response, the forest department has banned the feeding of birds near the affected site and deployed staff to enforce the order. Viscera samples have been sent to a laboratory in Jabalpur to identify the exact toxins involved. Joint teams from the forest, veterinary and wildlife departments are continuing surveillance in the area.
Conservationists say the incident highlights the often-overlooked dangers of anthropocentric feeding of wild animals and have urged greater public awareness to prevent similar tragedies along India’s riverbanks.
Source: India Today