Mysuru: A sick Spot-Billed Pelican died at Kukkarahalli Lake this morning, prompting Forest officials to take stock of the situation.

Officers comprising DCF V. Yedukondalu, CCF Kemparaju, RFO Devaraju and others visited the Lake and inspected besides collecting samples of bird droppings which will be sent to Institute of Animal Health & Veterinary Biologicals in Bengaluru.

Yedukondalu, speaking to Star of Mysore said that the viscera of the dead birds at Kukkarahalli Lake and also at Kokkare Bellur have been sent to the lab and added that the exact cause of deaths would be known only after receiving the reports.

He further said that if the lab reports emerges positive for Avian Flu, another set of samples would be sent to the lab in Indore for confirmation.

He suspected that the deaths might have occurred due to contaminated water.

Yedukondalu also said that droppings of birds at Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary have also been collected and have been sent for testing.