Mysuru; To prevent the deaths of spot-billed pelicans, the Forest Department has started the process of spraying anti-septic liquids at Kokkare Bellur in Mandya. They will next spray around the Kukkarahalli Lake in Mysuru. Officials from the Veterinary Department have clarified that the spray is not anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents.

Both water bodies have reported many deaths of pelicans and the Department is not taking any chances. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Deputy Director of Department of Veterinary Sciences, Mandya, Dr. Prakash said that it is not anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents as reported.

“We cannot spray anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents around the lakes as it will affect other life forms, including the microscopical ones,” he said and added that the anti-septic liquid is sprayed to prevent the spread of diseases.

According to reports, the Department officials are acting on the advice of a team of scientists from Bengaluru, who visited Kokkare Bellur to determine the reason behind the pelican deaths. The scientists advised the department to spray anti-septic liquid to prevent spread of infectious diseases from cattle and poultry farms.

The team of experts from the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru said the deaths were a consequence of a stomach problem called gastroenteritis.

Joint Director of Veterinary Department in Bengaluru Dr. Halagappa and Convener of Kukkarahalli Ulisi Horata Samithi Prof. K.M. Jayaramaiah said that the spray is a mix of two percent of hypochlorite and it is a disinfectant and not anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents.