ALAPPUZHA: The death of crows in large numbers in Vadakkal area created panic among the public on Sunday.
There were rumours of bird flu, which were doing the rounds in the town.
Firoz Ahammed, a resident near Alappuzha beachsaid hundreds of crows died and the local residents were curious to know the reason for the deaths.
However, the officials of animal husbandry department, who visited the spot after they were alerted by the local residents said poisoning was suspected to be the reason behind the deaths.
"We have taken the bodies of the crows for testing. We will also conduct post mortem of the bird and subject it to further tests if necessary. The exact reason for the death can be ascertained only after the results of the tests are available,'' the official said.
The district forest department staff also visited the area.
"Fish were being dried in the open in these areas and crows had been feeding on these fish. So, it is suspected that the people have poisoned the fishes to eliminate the crows and put an end to their menace. However, only post mortem and further tests on the bodies of the crows could bring out the exact reason of the deaths,'' said an official of the animal husbandry department.
"However, some local residents alleged that family members of a house in the nearby area treated their waste produced in the house with some chemicals and left it in the open. This might have killed the crows. Two dogs were also killed,'' said another official. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Hundreds-of-crows-die-in-Vadakkal-mysteriously/articleshow/18440000.cms
