No bird deaths reported from Delhi & Gwalior zoo: Committee

No bird deaths have been reported in National Zoological Park and Deer Park in Delhi and Gwalior Zoo in the last 24 hours, the committee constituted by Union Environment Ministry to monitor the bird flu situation today said.
The three-member committee which reviewed the situation said that disinfection by spraying anti-virus and other solutions is being undertaken regularly at the zoos and asserted that activities of other birds in the zoos appear to be "normal".
The samples collected at the national zoological park in New Delhi and tested at ICAR National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases was found to be negative for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV).

The samples were collected and sent by the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of Animal Husbandry Department of the Delhi government and the reports were received today.
"Mortality Status within 24 hours: National Zoological Park - nil, Deer Park- Nil and Gwalior zoo - nil," the statement said adding that five samples from Gwalior Zoo have also been sent to Bhopal for further examination.
Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave had constituted a monitoring committee for overseeing the outbreak of H5 Avian Influenza. The panel comprises member secretary of Central Zoo Authority, director National Zoological Park and deputy Inspector General of Forest (Wildlife).

"The control and containment measures of avian influenza in the affected zoos are being continued which include surveillance and screening of zoo regularly for any dead bird and strict enforcement of bio-security measures," the statement said.
More than 70 birds have succumbed to the avian influenza in the national capital since its outbreak.