Ten ducks found dead in Hauz Khas deer park

The national capital recorded more avian deaths On Monday with 10 ducks found dead at the Hauz Khas deer park which the Delhi government described as a "sign of worry". 

Delhi Animal Husbandry Minister Gopal Rai also confirmed that three crows, that were found dead in the Sunder Nagar area, succumbed to the H5N8 avial influenza strain and that the total number of avian deaths stands at around 58. 

He visited the deer park along with DDA officials and doctors where the death toll due to suspected H5N8 viral strain climbed to 43 and formed a 10-member team to spray anti-virus in the area, including on birds. "Things are in control in the zoo (National Zoological Garden) but 10 more ducks died in the deer park today. So we decided that areas where birds are dying, anti-virus will be sprayed on them as well. Vitamins and garlic will be mixed in their food to boost immunity," Rai told reporters. 

Both the zoo and the DDA-run deer park continue to remain shut due to the bird flu scare. The city government's coordination committee, formed to tackle the situation, will meet tomorrow. 

Rai said the water of the deer park will be sent to the Bhopal laboratory to be tested. "The strain (H5N8) is not as dangerous for humans as it is for birds. There has been no report of it affecting humans across the world. Monitoring is being done across Delhi's parks and bird sanctuaries. The government is planning to issue a health advisory as well," Rai said. 

The Union Environment Ministry has formed a three-member panel to keep a watch over the developments.