Singtam meeting discusses pigeon mortality worry

GANGTOK, 23 May: A daylong meeting was organized at Singtam Bazaar in the office of Sikkim Motor Transport Workers Association on 20 May to discuss the unusually high mortality of pigeons in Singtam and devise ways to contain this disturbing trend.
The meeting was presided over by Bhainchung Tamang, office secretary of the association and co-chaired by Pradeep Sharma, president of Singtam Bihari Jagaran Manch and attended by representatives from all over Singtam Bazaar. Dr. DS Tewari, Joint Director, Research Wing, of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department and PP Pokhrel from Veterinary Hospital, Sirwani, were present as resource persons.
Before the meeting, the team visited houses with pigeons nests and where high mortality has been reported.
An official press release informs that the team analyzed the situation of these more than 50 year old buildings and collected some sick pigeons for treatment.

At the meeting later, Rabi Chettri informed that he observed the death of pigeons on 12 May and issued a press release the next day [through Sikkim Express] on the incident. Responding immediately, the staff of Sirwani VH carried out a control programme and some relief was brought. A few days later, however, he found dead pigeons in large numbers, following which the Sikkim Motor Transport Workers Association lodged a complaint at the head office of AH, LF & VS Department on 19 May. Mr. Chettri expressed gratitude on the quick response of the department.
Next, Sudan Tamang, shared that he had noticed pigeons appearing dull and lethargic and then dying.
After this, Dr. Tewari informed that pigeons in Singtam Bazaar were plagued by blood-sucking ecto-parasites. Excessive biting was causing boils and ulcers which could be leading to secondary bacterial infection. Also, the blood-sucking octo-parasite could be causing anemia, and given their large numbers, resulting in a kind of toxemia causing the birds to die of debility and anemia.
However some sick birds have been collected along with the parasites for laboratory examination, he informed.
On the reason behind the proliferation of the blood-sucking insects, he said that the unhygienic condition of the roosting places of the pigeons could be to blame.
As an immediate remedial measure, he directed Mr. Pokhrel, the para-vet of Sirwani VH to collect necessary medicines and ectoparasiticidal spray to sanitise the pigeon roosts. Fumigation and disinfection of all drains and damp places was also directed.
He also requested the UD&HD personnel to keep the drains and public spaces free of pigeon carcasses to protect against spreading of disease. He called for a follow up meeting on 25 May at Singtam to which house owners with pigeon roosts should be invited along with representatives from UD&HD.