The panic being “created” in the media following the outbreak of avian influenza in the national capital is unnecessary and is just causing confusion among the people, according to avian experts.
Dr Parikshit Kakati, veterinary parasitologist and an avian expert working with the College Of Veterinary Science, Guwahati, told The Sunday Guardian that the H5N8 virus that has affected birds has very little or no chance of affecting humans. “The H5N8 influenza virus is very different from the H5N1, as the former is less pathogenic and there is no need for the panic that has been created by the media. Humans are safe as contamination can happen only on very close contact with the affected bird’s secretions and thus there is no need to worry.”
Another avian veterinary expert, on the condition of anonymity, told this newspaper that the government hurried to take drastic precautionary measures like closing the zoo and parks because it did not want to be caught on the wrong foot, something that happened during the outbreak of dengue and chikungunya here. “The Delhi government sounded the alarm bells even before the confirmed reports on the cause of the deaths of birds came to them. The type of virus that has affected the birds here in Delhi and elsewhere, as of now, is less harmful and has hardly been transferred to humans. So, there is nothing to worry about, but people who come in close contact with the birds should maintain proper hygiene.”
The Delhi government sounded alarm bells of a bird flu outbreak soon after suspicious deaths were noticed in the Delhi zoo and Deer Park here. It also issued an advisory to the people on the “Dos and Dont’s” with regard to the outbreak of “bird flu”.
The government has also closed down the Delhi Zoo and several other parks in the national capital and is keeping a close watch on the situation. However, officials of the Delhi Zoo also feel that the problem is being “exaggerated” which is creating panic.
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, Riyaz Khan, Delhi Zoo Curator, said, “There is nothing serious about this bird flu scare. The virus they have been affected with is minimally harmful for humans and the situation in the zoo is normal now. However, nobody is being allowed inside the zoo as per the government’s order, which has been taken as a precautionary measure.”
Asked when the zoo is likely to be opened, he said: “It will take a long time as a committee has been constituted to look into the matter. As and when things normalise, the Delhi government might take a decision, which is not likely to be anytime soon.”
Experts have also said that the outbreak of avian influenza is not because of foreign migratory birds, and it has been carried into Delhi likely by locally migrated birds from parts of Rajasthan or the upper northern region of the country. Experts and the government are also keeping a close watch on the arrival of foreign migratory birds into Delhi and elsewhere in the country, as these foreign migratory birds may spread the avian influenza further. They also have the capacity to carry the H5N1 virus.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has also constituted a committee headed by Joint Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries (DADF), to maintain constant vigil on the situation arising out of avian influenza and has also assisted state governments in effectively stopping the spread of the influenza.
The states have also been issued with guidelines for maintaining cleanliness in zoological parks housing wild birds, water bodies as well as poultry market areas where meat is sold and precautionary measure guidelines for persons handling poultry.
The Centre has also advised all bird sanctuaries and areas where there are lakes to keep a close watch on cases of any suspicious death of birds, and if noticed, to inform the state government and the Centre.