Delhi reports 850 bird mortality, 468 complaints related to avian influenza

By Joymala Bagchi
New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): As many as 850 cases of bird deaths due to avian influenza have been reported in the national capital, Delhi's Animal Husbandry Department said here on Thursday.
As per official data, till 10 am on Thursday, the Animal Husbandry Department has received 468 more "complaints related to bird flu".
The department has further deployed 11 surveillance teams who are working to reach at the spot to collect samples from where complaints are made.
Speaking to ANI, Rakesh Singh, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Delhi, said his department has directed people not to touch the dead birds with bare hands, and in absence of proper gears, they must wrap their hands with a polythene bag.
"We are getting reports from across Delhi and just from specific areas. We are getting reports of bird mortality in fewer numbers from overall Delhi, however, numbers of crow mortality is more," said Singh.
He informed that a total of 46 samples were sent for testing on Monday and Tuesday, but added that no samples went for testing on Wednesday.
"A minimum of 72 hours is required for confirmation of bird flu. Animal Husbandry Department is collecting samples from every spots the news of bird mortality are being reported. Samples are being sent either to Jalandhar or Bhopal for confirmation," he added.
Avian influenza, a viral infection caused deaths of thousands of birds across the country raising a concern especially in Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala.
North Delhi Municipal Corporation, as well as South Delhi Municipal Corporation, had put a ban on sale, purchase, processing and packaging of chicken across their jurisdiction from immediate effect.
The national capital government has issued an order asking local eateries and restaurants to curtail on serving chicken and egg preparations following the bird flu outbreak that have been reported in several states in India. (ANI)