No case of bird flu (AI H5NI) was detected in Pakistan as the ministry of food, agriculture & livestock (Minfal) in collaboration with provincial governments and private sector is constantly monitoring the situation on day to day basis, says a press release issued by Minfal.
For surveillance, 12 laboratories in different poultry concentrated areas have been equipped for diagnosis. A central laboratory at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad especially has been developed to address Avian Influenza surveillance and monitoring.
So far during the last one year, we have analysed more than 16,000 samples from poultry and more than 700 samples from migratory birds and have found no evidence of bird flue (AI H5NI) in Pakistan the release added. Minfal has also recently sanctioned a Rs 40 million project to strengthen the surveillance and emergency preparedness.
It may be mentioned that Avian Influenza (H7N3) hit Pakistan in 2003-04 which was effectively controlled by the use of culling of affected flocks, regular vaccination and improving bio-security measures.