LAHORE: The Punjab Wildlife Department has issued a health advisory for birds and wild animals, warning that increasing smog and air pollution can adversely affect their respiratory systems and overall health.
The advisory urges citizens, wildlife park administrations and zoo authorities to take precautionary measures to protect wildlife from the harmful effects of polluted air.
The department has advised keeping animals indoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches hazardous levels and protecting wild birds and animals from smoke, dust and polluted surroundings. It has also stressed the importance of providing birds with clean, fresh drinking water and regularly washing their water containers.
Zoo and wildlife park administrations have been directed to pay special attention to animal health, cleanliness and proper ventilation. Animals and birds showing signs of illness or breathing difficulties should be identified promptly and provided with veterinary treatment.
The advisory further discourages unnecessary handling or disturbance of wildlife and calls for protecting animals from contaminated water, spoiled food and plastic waste. Citizens have also been urged to avoid burning garbage, plastic and crop residues in forests and natural habitats.
People are encouraged to immediately inform relevant wildlife authorities about any injured or affected wild animal or bird.
Meanwhile, on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, anti-smog gun operations have been intensified in
