Mumbai: Three crows were found dead in Mumbai and 17 birds in Thane tested positive for Avian Influenza recently. Now, on the backdrop of the spread of bird flu in various parts, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday while issuing guidelines appealed Mumbaikars to contact its helpline 1916, if they find the death of birds.

The civic body also released guidelines after bird flu hit Mumbai. The BMC has directed the disaster control department to directly report to on duty assistant engineers of the solid waste management in concerned assistant municipal commissioner's office.

· The guidelines also state that the workers from the regional office and under senior engineer will dispose the dead birds as per the guidelines issued.

· The administration also asked assistant engineers to bring the deaths of birds to the notice of the state-appointed rapid response teams.

· As per the directives under 'Avain influenza action plan to control and prevent revised guidelines 2021', the dead birds have to be disposed by burying them in a pit.

· Also it's essential to use a suitable amount of limestone to bury them and safeguard that other animals do not dig it again, the BMC further said.

· The civic body also asked Veer Jijamata Udyan, Byculla to adhere guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority about bird flu.

· The BMC also asked the assistant commissioner (market) to make a plan about cleanliness of chicken and mutton shops.

Maharashtra joined the list of other multiple states which have been affected by the flu. The first case of bird flu in Maharashtra was found in Parbhani district on Monday where 900 hens were reportedly found dead. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray recently instructed the administration to give proper information to the people on bird flu to stop the spread of rumours.