Bird flu in Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is located in South Asia, overlapping with the Greater Middle East. It is the sixth most populated country in the world and the second most important Muslim population on the planet. Although with a vast history of settlement and civilisation, it was only established as a modern state in 1947, when the British India was split in two. The country is recognized as having powerful armed forces and is a declared nuclear weapons state.

Flu in zoo in Pakistan

Tuesday, February 27th, 2007

The Islamabad zoo (Pakistan) has confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. A gift batch of peacocks is believed to be the initial source of infection. The Zoo has been closed for the moment, as after several deaths of ducks and geese it was discovered that the disease affecting the birds was avian influenza. Further birds were called immediately, while the entire premises has been fumigated. Other birds were administered water and oil-based vaccines against the virus. At the moment it is estimated that the zoo will reopen in March if no more cases of bird flu are found.

Posted in Other locations, Pakistan

Virus confirmed in zoo in Pakistan

Thursday, February 22nd, 2007

The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain has been confirmed in a zoo in the Pakistani capital. It seems the disease has already killed 24 birds, as the National reference Laboratory for Poultry Disease took samples for testing and later confirmed the presence of the virus. Measures of screening, disinfection and isolation of birds have already been taken, while help has also been sought from the National Institute for health and the World Health Organization

Posted in Pakistan

Pakistan not under threat

Wednesday, July 19th, 2006

Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Pakistan’s Federal interior minister, has declared there is no risk of bird flu outbreaks in the country, as the government is taking steps important steps towards saving the poultry industry. The minister expressed his views during a ceremony of distribution of cheques to the affected owners of poultry farms. He also said that the government is responsible both for the life and property of people, expressing its unity with a nation whose Prime Minister (Shaukat Aziz) ate chicken along with his whole cabinet, in a time when bird flu posed a great risk to the country.

Poultry flocks owners were praised for offering their full cooperation to authorities, allowing the culling of the affected hens. The government has however promised to compensate the loss by distributing cheques among them.

Posted in Pakistan