“This is the first time we have seen such a thing,” Mariwan Wali, owner of a fish farm in Dukan, told Rudaw’s Abubakir Ismael on Friday.
“For several years, the seagulls have provided a beautiful view of the lake, but unfortunately, they suffered a disaster this year, and all of them were destroyed,” he said.
Islands in the lake are a popular nesting spot for seagulls, but during the mating season this spring, numerous eggs failed to hatch and the chicks that survived have been left orphans due to a virus that has spread through the seagull population.
Veterinarians and forest and environmental police from the Raparin administration are working together to identify the disease and prevent its spread.
"The test indicated influenza, but we require a laboratory to identify the specific strain. Unfortunately, such facilities are unavailable within the Raparin administration," explained veterinarian Saadi Taib.
This is not the first mass death of the birds in Dukan Lake. Over the past two years, thousands of birds have perished due to disease outbreaks during the breeding season, contributing to their declining numbers.
The forestry and environment police closely monitor the bird populations.
“Every year during the fishing ban and at other times, monitoring stations near the islands protect them from humans and other disasters,” said Jabar Adam, director of Pishdar forest and environment police.
Seagulls are known for their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, including coastal regions, lakes, and rivers. They are identified by their white or gray feathers, elongated wings, and robust beaks that are specialized for scavenging and hunting.
