Avian flu may wipe out bird, animal species

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Avian flu may wipe out bird, animal species

 

By Chandrika Mago/TNN

 

New Delhi: Avian influenza may be a bigger, more complex threat than anyone has

thought so far. Over 80% of known bird species and 54 ‘threatened’ species such

as sea and fish eagles as well as rabbits, weasels, badgers, otters and many

others could be at grave risk.

‘Hot spot’ biodiversity areas like Vietnam, which have already reported bird

flu, are of particular concern, said experts at a Convention on Biological

Diversity meeting in Brazil.

The UN Environment Programme says the cascading effects of culling poultry in

countries where chicken is a main source of protein may prompt locals to turn to

‘bushmeat’ as an alternative. This, in turn, may put “unacceptable” pressure on

a wide range of species, from wild pigs to endangered animals like chimpanzees,

gorillas and other great apes.

There may be an altogether unanticipated fallout when predators in areas

succumb to bird flu. It could trigger an explosion of pests like mice and rats.

This could lead to a rise in other human and animal infections and spoil the

scene for other wildlife.

Islands may be the worst hit. Experts argue that some, from Hawaii and the

Galapagos to the Seychelles and Maldives, may need to consider a ban on poultry

and wild bird imports.

Since highly-pathogenic avian influenza resurfaced in Asia three years ago,

it has taken a toll on big and small cats. In December 2003, two leopards and

two tigers died in a Thai zoo—the first such cases reported in big cats.

Since then, big and small cats like civets have fallen to the infection. All

these are on the list being compiled at Brazil.

The latest list of those in the danger zone includes primates, polecats,

stoats, wolverines and martens. Over 80% of known bird species—migratory and

nonmigratory— may be at risk. The crow family and vultures are of particular

concern. The list also mentions storks, herons, parakeets, emus, owls, eagles

and kites. UNEP says experts suspect the highly refined olfactory systems of

some mammals may make them particularly susceptible to viruses like the deadly

H5N1.

Experts warn that countries with extraordinary bird biodiveristy, including

Brazil, need to be especially vigilant against illegal trade in birds. But

killing wild birds or draining nesting sites will do more harm than good, they

say.