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Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 20
After the National Zoological Park, the Delhi Government today shut down Hauz Khas Deer Park amid bird flu (H5 Avian influenza) scare with the national Capital witnessing eight more avian deaths, suspected cases of H5N1 influenza virus.
With today's death of eight birds, two of them at the Deer Park, the suspected bird flu toll has risen to 18 since Friday. In view of this, the city government has constituted four more rapid response teams besides formation of a 23-member team headed by Development Commissioner Sandeep Kumar for better coordination between the departments.
Further, following a meeting with all departments concerned, Development Minister Gopal Rai told reporters that the government has cancelled leave of all officials of Delhi Animal Husbandry Department.
The government has also appealed to the residents not to touch dead birds instead call its helpline number (011-23890318) if they spot any and it will rope in Resident Welfare Associations to create awareness.
Rai said the government has asked those concerned at the chicken wholesale markets and poultry farms in the city to inform it if they found dead birds and also keep their area clean. He will inspect Gazipur wholesale chicken market tomorrow.
"The government has also directed the MCD to form 10 teams in reserve. The civic bodies have been asked to maintain cleanliness at dump yards situated near chicken and poultry farms. We are also writing to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments seeking their cooperation in tackling the situation as migratory birds enter the city from the neighbouring states," said the minister.
"At our helpline, eight bird deaths were reported today at four places which include two at Delhi Zoo, two at Deer Park, one at Tuglkabad area and death of three crows at Sundar Nagar. Samples of all dead birds have been sent to a laboratory in Jalandhar and the report is expected in next two days," said Rai.
Noting that the situation was not alarming and precautionary measures were being taken, the minister said the government has sent 50 samples, including 20 from Delhi Zoo and nine from Gazipur Chicken Wholesale Market to Jalandhar-based lab.
Of the 10 birds which had died till yesterday at Delhi Zoo since October 14, three have been confirmed as bird flu cases. The zoo was yesterday closed down for three days after nine water birds, including painted storks, ducks and pelicans died of H5 Avian influenza on its premises from October 14 to 17.
Besides today's deaths, two deaths were reported on October 14, while six others were found dead on October 15. One more water bird died on October 17.
"We are closely monitoring bird sanctuaries, poultry farms and chicken wholesale markets. There is no serious situation as of now. Government is fully prepared to deal with the disease. The Health Department has sufficient stock of Tamiflu tablet for any emergency," said the minister.
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