Opinions range from a mystery virus, which is affecting the white backed and long billed vultures, to high mortality rates and the failure to breed in captivity. White backed and long billed vultures show symptoms of drooping necks before becoming lethargic and dying within a month or so. But bureaucratic wrangling over the removal of dead carcasses and the permission to collect the sick birds is obstructing effective monitoring of the disease and delaying remedial measures. The delay has split the expert community. Some believe that in the absence of any definite answer it is time to seek international help while others argue that it is premature to seek international help into a diagnosis.
Scientists believe the virus has already crossed over to Nepal and Pakistan.
With the vultures gone from the famed Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal, close to the Indian border, and also from areas in Pakistan adjoining to Rajasthan in India, it is feared the disease will soon spread to west Asia. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.