Ten more birds died yesterday due to avian influenza in the Deer Park here, prompting Delhi Animal Husbandry Minister Gopal Rai to order an anti-virus drive.
After a visit to the park in Hauz Khas, Rai set up a 10-member team to spray anti-virus Mycrodacyn in the area. He ordered a sample of water from the sprawling park to be sent to the central lab in Bhopal.
The same lab had earlier confirmed that the virus strain found in the initial sample of birds was H5N8 avian influenza.
Rai expressed concern over the rising fatalities among migratory birds. Seventeen birds died on Saturday in the park, which is home to a large number of deer. Six birds had died on Friday.
“To increase immunity, the birds will be given multi-vitamins and pieces of garlic along with their food,” the minister said.
Rai called a meeting of co-ordination committee in the Delhi Secretariat today to consider further action on the spread of H5N8 influenza virus.
The Delhi government on Thursday set up a 23-member committee to co-ordinate work among various departments and to probe the reasons behind the bird deaths.