Migratory Bird Hunting: Health Risks, Legal Penalties, and Wildlife Protection Act

• Migratory birds arriving at Nagi Bird Sanctuary, Jhajha, Jamui, are being hunted, posing health risks and legal consequences.
• Ornithologist Sandeep Kumar warns that consuming migratory bird meat is illegal and can transmit serious diseases like Bird Flu, Avian Influenza, and Salmonella.
• Birds accumulate dangerous viruses, bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and chemicals during their long journeys, making their meat unsafe.
• Consumption can lead to high fever, respiratory issues, lung infections, severe stomach diseases, and can be fatal, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, hunting or consuming protected birds carries a 3-7 year jail term and fines up to 25,000 rupees.

Why It Matters: Hunting migratory birds is illegal, poses severe health risks, and is punishable by significant jail time and fines.