Mongolia lies on the migration route of many species of birds; the sight of thousands of wildfowl resting on the waters of the country’s lakes is one well known to many ornithologists. Now as the birds are migrating south from Siberia and the Arctic to warmer climes the discovery of many dead fowl is causing serious concern.

The bodies of 1521 birds, including geese, seagulls and shelducks were discovered in Durvuljin soum of Zavkhan, a western province of Mongolia on 30 August. Joint working teams from the National Emergency Management Agency and National Centre for Zoonotic Diseases as well as other oragnisations have investigated the sudden death of birds and tested soils and waters in the scene. The remains of the birds, representing 16 species, have been buried safely.

According to one source, the death of birds was not caused by any infectious diseases, so cell analysis has been carried out. The result of the tests should be ready after 72 hours.