Bird flu claims six more birds in Delhi; toll rises to 64!

New Delhi: Bird flu is gaining a strong hold over Delhi, because of which, the death toll of migratory birds has risen to 64, with 6 more falling victim.

Delhi Animal Husbandry Minister Gopal Rai said that, the anti-virus operation in the Deer Park in south Delhi was showing results as only two bird deaths were reported there on Monday.

The Deer Park and Delhi Zoo have been shut due to this reason. As many as 17 birds died in the Deer Park on Saturday and 10 on Sunday.

The deaths of four other birds on Monday were reported from a lake behind Shakti Sthal, the memorial to Indira Gandhi, Rai said.

"We have started close monitoring of the lake along with other locations," he added.

Rai said the second report from the central lab in Bhopal, where bird samples were being sent, has arrived.

"Infection of H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed from the two samples. These samples were taken from dead birds found in Deer Park and Sundar Nagar (near the zoo) last week," Rai said.

Earlier, the same lab had confirmed H5N8 virus infection in the sample collected from Delhi Zoo.

"With bird deaths being reported from more locations, there is need to increase vigilance," Rai said.

He issued a health advisory with a detailed list of do's and don'ts, which includes avoiding intake of raw or half-boiled eggs and meat.

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.

(With IANS inputs)