On Monday, the incidence of bird flu was confirmed in Delhi as eight samples of dead birds were tested positive for H5N8, which is a strain of avian influenza. Crows from Mayur Vihar and Dwarka along with ducks from Sanjay Lake were found positive for the infection. Over 128 samples are sent for testing.

In the last four days, almost 140 birds, generally crows, were found dead at Hastsal, in the green areas of the Ring Road, Central Nursery in Sector 5 at Dwarka, the Deer Park in Dilshad Garden, Central Park at Mayur Vihar and district park in Sarita Vihar. Pigeons and ducks were the other dead birds included.

The Delhi government has banned the sale of processed and even packed chicken from outside in Delhi. Manish Sisodia, Deputy CM said that CM Arvind Kejriwal is closely monitoring the current situation and discussing with the concerned officials. Processed chicken and livestock from other states are banned as a preventive measure. The Ghazipur poultry market will be shut for a few days. After the duck samples from Sanjay Lake tested positive, the whole area is thoroughly sanitised.

Approximately, 380 ducks were scrapped and buried in Sanjay Lake on Monday. Mass fish mortality was reported from the lake and it was shut for visitors as a cautionary measure. Officials said that bird flu was not reported in the fish. Parks in Dwarka Sector 9, Hastsal and Mayur Vihar Phase-II are closed.

Sisodia said that 100 samples were sent to Jalandhar and results were awaited. It might be a common influenza. No news of its spread from birds to humans is reported so far. Officials of the animal husbandry section of the development department are instructed to carry out exhaustive campaigns across the capital. 

Sisodia has advised people not to panic who eat chicken and eggs and said that there is no risk of infection from boiled and cooked eggs and fully cooked chicken.

Delhi government has issued an alert to all concerned officials and doctors on 28th October 2020 and issued anorder to monitor bird flu. On 4th January, guidelines were also issued to all doctors for unceasing sample collection and strict monitoring. The government said that doctors of 48 veterinary hospitals related to the animal husbandry unit were continuously monitoring bird flu in the capital city. Besides, 11 rapid response teams were set up to collect samples.

Source: ET Healthworld