karlin
17.02.03, 18:39
NICOSIA (Reuters) - Wildlife authorities in Cyprus are
investigating whether a mystery virus or lead poisoning
is to blame for the unexplained deaths of more than 20
flamingos in the past week, an official said Wednesday.
Cyprus hosts thousands of the birds in its salt marshes
each year, and the deaths of about 25 of them in recent
days have worried wardens who have started monitoring
the lagoons round the clock.
All the deaths have occurred in the Larnaca salt lake,
which is adjacent to the island's main airport on the
southern coast.
Lead poisoning, either from jet fuel fumes or a nearby
shooting range, or a virus outbreak are being investigated
as possible causes of the deaths.
"From what we saw it doesn't suggest lead poisoning, but
possibly a virus," said Pantelis Hadjiyerou, head of the
island's Game and Wildlife Service. "We have not
experienced anything like this before."
Hadjiyerou told Reuters that authorities expected to reach
a conclusion later this week to take appropriate action.
Usually, up to 2,000 birds, which have a life span of up to
50 years, cluster in Larnaca salt lake in the winter.
