Mass death of ducks in Vitebsk could be due to feeding - ecologists

The preliminary cause of the mass death of ducks in Vitebsk, according to ecologists, is improper feeding. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Valery Fando, head of the Vitebsk City Inspectorate for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

According to his information, the bodies of dead ducks were found in the mouth of the Vitba river yesterday and today. Birds were also found under the ice. Several carcasses were sent for examination. According to Valery Fando, based on the initial results, the birds were not affected by any infections. According to the preliminary version, the cause of death of the waterfowl could be bread crumbs, which compassionate townspeople feed the ducks. Ecologists constantly remind that waterfowl do not need feeding in open water, and moreover, they, like any other birds, should not be fed with bakery and salty products – their stomachs are not capable of digesting them.

In the coming days, stands with reminders about the rules of bird feeding will appear in places where ducks congregate. The final results of the examination will be communicated to the public, Valery Fando assured.

Photo: news.vitebsk.cc