'No threat of bird flu in Islamabad'

There is no immediate threat of bird flu in the federal capital and regular surveillance of poultry farms is being conducted in Islamabad. The sampling of poultry is being conducted on regular basis within the jurisdiction of Islamabad and vigilance at poultry farms and weekly bazaars has been enhanced as part of precautionary measures.
This was informed at a high level meeting on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Hamid Ali Khan. The meeting was held to review the preventive measures being undertaken at poultry farms to ensure safety of poultry flock.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of Poultry Research Institute Rawalpindi, representatives of Poultry Associations, Director Agriculture, Industries and Labour Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Tariq Javed Malik and Assistant Director Livestock ICT Dr Amjad.
The meeting was informed that foolproof preventive measures have been taken at poultry farms to ensure safety of poultry. As part of precautionary measures, vigilance has been enhanced at the poultry farms and weekly bazaars. Regular sampling is underway and there is no evidence of H5 virus anywhere in Islamabad.
It was decided in the meeting that bio-security measures at the poultry farms will be further tightened. All poultry farms in ICT will be registered and poultry workers were directed to use protective clothing during work at poultry farms.
Rapid response of ICT teams at field levels will be further activated. Vaccination of poultry will be conducted regularly and CDA sanitation wing will be further activated. Seminars will be organised at Rural Development Centre to create awareness about the preventive measures among poultry workers and citizens.