LOC18:14
15:14 GMT
ISLAMABAD, May 22 (KUNA) -- An outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird
flu has been detected in at least four poultry farms here, sixth such case
reported since beginning of the year.
The livestock ministry Dr. R. H. Usmani told newsmen that bird flu virus
has occurred at four poultry farms in Chak Shahzad area and laboratory tests
have confirmed the presence of the virus.
However, he said, the owners of the farms refused to let the officials cull
the suspicious chicken, after which the "assistance" of district
administration was sought.
He said that a nationwide survey was underway, but so far there has been no
information regarding bird flu.
This was the sixth case of deadly bird flu detected in Pakistan and fifth
in Islamabad. No human cases have been recorded. (end)
amn.bz.
KUNA 221814 May 07NNNN