No death of birds in Gwalior and Delhi Zoo: Committee

New Delhi: There has been no bird deaths in National Zoological Park, Deer park and Gwalior zoo in the last 24 hours, the committee formed by Environment Ministry to monitor the bird flu outbreak Friday said.

The three member committee said that various samples were taken from birds like duck, pelican, crow and munia bird earlier this month from National Zoological Park and sent to ICAR National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases.

Many of the results were positive for H5N8, they said.

"The Monitoring Committee constituted by the Environment Ministry for overseeing the outbreak of avian influenza reviewed the control and containment of the influenza situation today.

"Mortality Status within 24 hours - National Zoological park nil, deer park nil and Gwalior zoo - nil," an official statement said.

It said that a review meeting was held yesterday chaired by Animal Husbandry Commissioner where the report of the birds were discussed.

"It was decided to put on hold the culling operations for the time being in the infected zone. Anti-viral solution is being sprayed on the affected mud near Pelican Island to prevent further infection.

"The water from Pelican Pond has also been tested positive for H5N8. The issue was discussed in the meeting and it was decided that treatment of water body by chemical such as bleaching powder, or lime, will not be feasible as it will adversely affect the aquatic life of the water body," the statement said.