China News Service Astana, January 10 According to the "Kazakh Pravda" news on the 10th, the number of dead swans in a nature reserve in Kazakhstan has exceeded 800.
According to the news, the nature reserve, located in Lake Karakol in Mangystau Oblast, southwestern Kazakhstan, was first found dead on December 21, 2023, and as of January 10, 828 dead swans have been found, nine of which have become juveniles. The news pointed out that the number of dead swans may increase.
According to the Kazakh Department of Ecological Protection, preliminary findings suggest that the main cause of death of the swans is avian influenza. According to the head of the agriculture department of the Mangystau region, investigators have detected the avian influenza virus type H5N1 from part of the swan carcasses. However, some experts believe that the cause of swan death is a lack of food that leads to reduced immunity. In addition, the possibility of excessive pollutant standards in the lake water is not ruled out.
Currently, local veterinarians continue to monitor the area on a daily basis. So far, no cases of avian influenza have been detected on nearby private farms.
In addition, the nature reserve appeals to residents and visitors in the area not to feed the swans. (ENDS).