Avian Flu Impact on Cranes

January 22, 2025

In early 2025, the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan witnessed a concerning rise in the deaths of the migratory Demoiselle cranes, attributed to the H591 strain of avian flu. Environmentalists, however, speculate that other environmental factors may also play a role in these fatalities.

Recent Bird Deaths

Since January 11, 2025, 33 Kurjan cranes have died in Jaisalmer.
The first death was reported on January 11, with the latest on January 20.
The deaths coincide with the ongoing bird flu outbreak in the area.

Demoiselle Crane Migration

The Demoiselle crane (Kurjan) migrates 4,000 km from Central Asia (China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan) to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, every winter. They typically spend six months in the region, particularly in areas like Lathi and Degaray Oran.
This year, the birds are facing problems due to bird flu (H5N1) and accidents with electric wires.

Key Facts About Demoiselle crane

The Demoiselle (Kurjan) crane is found in Central Eurosiberia, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China. A small breeding population also exists in Turkey.

Testing and Confirmation

On January 17, 2025, 14 cranes fell from the sky in Bankalsar village. The incident prompted immediate investigation by local authorities, with samples sent for testing.
Samples from the dead birds in Bankalsar were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases. Confirmatory tests revealed H591 and H5N1 avian flu infections in the area.

Recurring Deaths

Cranes die every January in Jaisalmer (2024: 9, 2023: 11, 2022: 6).
Possible reasons for deaths:
- Pesticides: Birds eat leaves from chickpea fields sprayed with pesticides.
- Toxic water/food: Heavy rainfall created new water bodies that may contain harmful toxins.

Government Actions

Dead birds are buried with strict safety measures.
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) from various departments are working to stop the spread of bird flu.
Chemicals are sprayed in affected areas as a preventive step.

Threat to the Great Indian Bustard

Bird flu is a threat to Rajasthan’s state bird, the Great Indian Bustard.
Breeding centers in Sam and Ramdevra have been closed, and outsiders are not allowed in affected areas.

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