# 551
This announcement ran in Iran Daily. Further testing of dead birds is pending, but reportedly at least one tested positive for bird flu.
This doesn't appear to be an `echo' report, where an old news report is accidentally recycled, and shows up a months or a year later.
Given the near universal denials of Iranian officials whenever any suggestion is made regarding bird flu in Iran, it will be interesting to see the official reaction to this report.
Suspicious Bird Flu Deaths in Pardisan Park
Suspicious poultry deaths have been reported in Tehran’s Pardisan Park, purportedly attributed to an outbreak of avian flu, ISNA reported.
Reacting to the yet unconfirmed report, chairman of environmental NGO Avay-e Sabz (Green Song) Society called on citizens, especially children to avoid visiting the park located along Hemmat Highway.
Vahid Norouzi urged the denizens to stay away from the park until the results of laboratory examinations on carcasses of 24 saker falcons, one kestrel and a number of owls are revealed.
Insisting that it is not yet confirmed whether the birds died of avian flu virus, the expert observed, “We wouldn’t be witness to the death of these birds, had efficient precautionary measures been in place. The park does not even have a full-time veterinarian.“
The Veterinary Organization took samples from the perished poultry during Feb. 23-March 1.
One of the dead birds has so far tested positive for avian flu.
It was decided that the whole bird population in the park be culled on March 6, but the measure was postponed until the final results are announced.
The Department of Environment officials were not immediately available for comment.
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