SRINAGAR: Hundreds of native geese, locally known as “Kashur Aenz,” have been found dead along the banks of Wular Lake, South Asia’s largest freshwater lake, officials reported on Monday.
The sudden deaths have raised concerns among wildlife experts, conservationists, and officials in Jammu and Kashmir.
Locals said that they have been discovering the lifeless bodies of native geese along the banks of Wular Lake, especially in the Suderkoot area, over the past several days. Disturbed by the sight, they alerted the relevant authorities.
“We have spotted these species dead at several spots around the lake in recent days. It seems like there’s some disease affecting them, as we’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Abdul Aziz, a resident.
District Animal Husbandry Officer G A Lone confirmed that the deaths, initially suspected to be from a local disease, led to immediate sampling to rule out viral infections. Lone noted that tests revealed no signs of communicable diseases affecting migratory birds, which frequent Wular Lake at this time of year. He added that a possible diagnosis of “RaniKhet” disease, known to affect domestic birds, is under investigation.
In response, officials have administered medication to local birds and urgently requested vaccines to control the disease and prevent further spread among the lake’s bird population.
Meanwhile, migratory birds have started arriving in Kashmir, particularly around Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country—(KNO)
