As temperatures soar within the metropolis, an growing variety of birds fall sufferer to dehydration and heatstroke. In the primary ten days of April, Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals—the town’s largest government-run animal hospital—attended to 22 pigeons and 17 different fowl species equivalent to eagles, parrots, and owls, affected by heat-related diseases.
This marks an almost fourfold improve in admissions as a result of dehydration in comparison with the earlier month, officers on the animal hospital mentioned. Last month, the hospital averaged two every day admissions. However, this month the determine surged to 4.
The hospital supervisor Dr Mayur Dangar offered medical perception into the dire penalties of hovering temperatures on avian well being. He famous that birds, when flying throughout heatwaves, are susceptible to strokes and dizziness, usually leading to deadly plummets.
“In most circumstances, they endure heatstroke, dehydration, and fever, with physique temperatures surpassing 45°C. This causes in depth harm to mind cells and very important organs, that result in seizures, comas and the fowl’s eventual demise.
Nevertheless, well timed intervention can facilitate restoration inside three to 4 days,” he mentioned, whereas underscoring the essential significance of swift medical consideration in mitigating the mortality threat amongst birds.
As temperatures proceed to climb, Dr Dangar raised issues concerning a possible surge in fowl fatalities as a result of warmth. The hospital ensures the consolation of its avian sufferers by housing them in cooled cages and offering common hydration. Once they recuperate, some birds are launched again into the wild at Borivali National Park, whereas others are let loose within the hospital’s neighborhood, permitting them to return to their pure habitat.
Animal rights activists emphasise the necessity for presidency rules to put in fowl water feeders at street corners. These feeders present a readily accessible supply of water particularly in the course of the sizzling climate.
“Regular access to clean water prevents dehydration, reducing the risk of strokes and other health issues. This simple provision supports bird populations, aiding in their well-being and surviving in challenging environments,” mentioned Dr JC Khanna, former chief of the hospital.
Birds that plummet from the sky usually maintain head accidents. Many are rescued by locals who rush them to the hospital for remedy.
Despite the presence of scattered clouds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a peak temperature of 36°C in Mumbai for the following week.
Due to urbanisation and the proliferation of high-rise buildings, birds usually battle to achieve access to water. Additionally, daylight reflecting off glass surfaces on buildings could make them disoriented. Veterinarians urged residents to indicate kindness to road animals and birds in the course of the warmth by providing them clear consuming water.
Dr Ketki Parekh, a veterinarian and animal rights activist from Borivali, acknowledged, “There’s no need to purchase fancy water feeders. You can simply DIY with a drinking water bottle or a pot. Place the water container outside your balcony or society gate for birds and animals to access them.”
