The Delhi Government on Monday issued health advisory after six more birds died of the Avian flu in the national Capital. The H5N8 flu has resulted in the deaths of 64 birds since October 14.
According to Development Animal Husbandry Minister Gopal Rai, six more birds died on Monday due to bird flu. Rai, however, said the anti-virus operation in the Deer Park in south Delhi was bearing results as only two deaths of birds were reported there on Monday.
He issued a health advisory with a detailed list of do's and don'ts for the residents of the city. The measures recommended in the advisory include one to avoid eating of raw or half-boiled eggs and meat. The H5N8 flu is not harmful to humans. The Delhi Government has described this as a “sign of worry”.
As many as 17 birds died in the Deer Park on Saturday and 10 died on Sunday.
The deaths of four other birds on Monday were reported from a lake behind Shakti Sthal near Raj Ghat, Rai said.
“We have started close monitoring of the lake along with other locations. But with bird deaths being reported from more locations, there is need to increase vigilance,” Rai said.
Rai on Monday held a meeting of the coordination committee in the Delhi Secretariat to consider further action on checking the spread of H5N8 influenza virus. He ordered all Government departments to spread “chuna” (lime powder) around every water body.
The Minister also ordered them to spray anti-virus sodium hypochlorite around all water bodies where birds gather. Rai formed a 10-member team to spray anti-virus in the area, including on birds.
Both the zoo and the DDA-run Deer Park continue to remain shut due to the bird flu scare. The city Government's coordination committee, formed to tackle the situation, will meet on Tuesday. Rai said the water of the deer park will be sent to the Bhopal laboratory to be tested.
The Delhi Government had also set up a 23-member committee to coordinate work among various departments and to probe the reasons behind the bird deaths since last week.
The Government issued the advisory listing with a certain number of do's and don'ts.