Giving details, Delhi’s animal husbandry minister Gopal Rai said that nearly 50 samples from the zoo, several bird sanctuaries in the city and poultry markets had been sent to laboratories for analysis. “We have asked to take precaution at Ghazipur chicken mandi and MCD will ensure proper disposal of the waste,” Rai said.
“We are trying to control the situation before it gets bad. For now, citizens need not worry and just be careful and alert,” Rai said. “Reports of dead birds have come from various areas including Sundar Nagar, Tughlakabad and Deer Park. Deer Park has been closed for as a precautionary measure,” Rai said, adding that he will visit the park on Friday at 2 pm. “I appeal to the citizens not to touch any dead bird and inform the animal husbandry department on the helpline,” he added.
Rai said he would write to ministers of states neighbouring Delhi and urge them to take precautionary steps and coordinate with the Delhi government in order to curb the outbreak.
The Delhi government has set up a 23-member committee to coordinate work among various departments and to probe the reasons behind the death of the birds. It will be headed by development commissioner Sandeep Kumar. On Wednesday, the Delhi government announced a helpline (011-2389 0318) to report cases of bird flu and seek help.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:twitter.com)
