How Prepared is Delhi for Bird Flu?

The government administration seems to be dozing while cases of bird flu are popping up on the radar.

DELHI ONCE AGAIN seems to be in the grip of bird flu, another viral disease which has been a common occurrence in the capital city over past years. The deaths of over 60 birds have been reported from all over the city, and the H5N8 virus has been confirmed as the cause of death. Meanwhile, government claims of control over the situation seem to be far-fetched. The control rooms set up by the government are not fully functional. Two numbers issued by the Union Agriculture Ministry and Department of Animal Husbandry, 011-23384190 and 09448324121, are not responded to. The nodal officer appointed by the government, Dr HK Manilappa, JC, Animal Husbandry Department, seemed unaware of the fact that avian influenza has been a common occurrence throughout the country since 2005. Speaking to Hardnews, he said, “Bird flu is not a regular thing and it has taken place for the first time in the state and the country.”