Vigilance & Prevention keep Pakistan bird flu–free this year

Vigilance & Prevention keep Pakistan bird flu–free this year

PAKISTAN - Strict vigilance and proper preventive measures has helped Pakistan gain 'bird flu-free' status since 2007, reports Pakistan Observer, but a recent outbreak of the infection in a neighbouring country demands extreme caution and mandatory preventive measures in the country.

Professor Dr Muhammad Akram Munir, Project Director of the National Program for the Control and Prevention of Avian Influenza (PCAPI) has addressed a seminar organised by PACPI, Federal Ministry of Health, Association of Health Journalists – Pakistan and UNICEF, when he said avian influenza or bird flu does not exist in Pakistan.

The National Program for the Control and Prevention of Avian Influenza started at a cost of 1180.2 million rupees (PKR) but he said it has turned poultry industry in the country into one of the best in terms of hygiene practices as well as value addition.

He commented: "Ours is much better than India, Bangladesh and even Iran.He said 41 vehicles and 40 motor-bikes were also provided to the provinces to help concerned staff gain easy access to any affected area as during this period, 96 outbreaks were handled and 400,000 birds were culled and properly disposed of.

According to Pakistan Observer, Dr Akram Munir added that, in its efforts to ensure avian influenza-free status, Pakistan has been in constant contact with the international community.

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