200 parrots die of food poisoning in MP

Around 200 parrots have died of suspected food poisoning along the banks of the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh’s Karakonda district, wildlife officials said on Saturday.
The large number of dead birds were discovered near a waterway bridge on the riverbank in the Padwa area. During rescue efforts, some parrots were found alive, but officials said their condition deteriorated rapidly due to severe poisoning. District Wildlife Warden Tony Sharma confirmed the deaths and said the cause appeared linked to ingestion of contaminated food.
Forest department teams have banned feeding parrots near the bridge and deployed staff at the site to prevent further incidents. Samples collected from the deceased birds have been sent to a laboratory in Jabalpur for detailed analysis.
Dr Manisha Chauhan, a veterinarian from the state veterinary department who conducted post-mortem examinations, said the parrots showed clear signs of food poisoning, with no evidence of avian influenza. “People often feed birds without knowing the harm it can cause to their digestive systems,” she said.
Livestock Extension Officer Dr Suresh Baghel said rice and small pebbles were found in the stomachs of many of the dead parrots. He suggested that eating food from pesticide-sprayed fields or contaminated water from the Narmada could be contributing factors.
Officials believe the deaths may have been triggered by well-meaning visitors feeding cooked food or leftovers to the birds near the bridge, highlighting risks posed by inappropriate feeding practices. The forest department has urged the public to avoid feeding wildlife and to report any further sick birds immediately.