Deptt starts ectoparasiticidal spraying in Singtam to combat pigeon deaths

GANGTOK, 25 May: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Department has started an ectoparasiticidal spray programme in Singtam after a number of pigeon deaths were reported in the area.
Noticing the proliferation of insects and other ectoparasites in the pigeon nests at Singtam, a team of para-veterinarians from Sirwani Veterinary Hospital have been deputed to ensure the complete elimination of ectoparasites which are believed to be the main cause behind the pigeon deaths here.
With the special support of  Sikkim Motors Transporters Association, Singtam president, Tinku Adhikari, vice president, Mohan Lal Rai, general secretary, Norden Tshering Tamang, office secretary, Bhaichung Tamang, Sikkim Bihari Jagran Manch Singtam president, Pradeep Sharma and Fire department, Singtam after taking permission cleaned all the areas  used by pigeons for shelter.

In the Singtam food godown, the team cleaned the second floor where pigeons in large numbers come daily to feed on the scattered grains. The floor was found littered with pigeon faeces and it was inferred that the pigeons that came there to feed on the grains transferred the parasite onto the grains stored there, meant for human consumption.
When the Joint Director, Animal Husbandry, Dr DS Tiwari, raised the matter with food inspector Karma Bhutia, the latter informed that due to lack of staff it was impossible to clean up such areas. Dr Tiwari while speaking to this correspondent informed that this type of work will continue at Singtam bazaar for some days. The local residents expressed that mass awareness camps at Singtam regarding the matter should be organised.
[from SANJAY AGARWAL]