# 2292
After the furor over the first confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection in Pakistan late last year the poultry industry, and the Pakistani government, both seemed intent on playing down bird flu concerns.
Some of these reassurances were little more than blatant propaganda, as evidenced by reports here, here, and here.
Today, both the Dawn and the International News are carrying vague reports of new bird flu fears, and of the ordered activation of local surveillance committees.
Exactly what has prompted this reaction isn't stated.
KARACHI: Bird flu alert sounded
KARACHI, Sept 10: Sindh Minister for Health Dr Saghir Ahmed has issued directives for immediate activation of the District Bird Flu Committees in view of apprehensions about a possible outbreak.
Chairing a meeting in his office on Wednesday, the minister asked all EDOs of health in the province, particularly those of the coastal cities to remain alert and keep a vigil on occurrence of any incident relating to the deadly virus with their respective jurisdiction.
He advised the general public to report to the bird flu committee concerned immediately upon noticing wild birds, chicken or Siberian migratory birds lying dead in a large number.—APP
Activation of surveillance committees ordered
Thursday, September 11, 2008
By our correspondent
Karachi
Minister for Health, Dr Sagheer Ahmed on Wednesday instructed for activating ‘district bird flu committees’ set up three years ago when the bird flu was feared.
Chairing a meeting at his office, the minister said that the executive district officers (EDOs) of coastal areas especially Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and Sanghar have been instructed to remain alert about the possibility of bird flu. He instructed the general public that if they find dead birds, chickens from Siberia at any place, they should inform the district bird flu committee, EDO agriculture and wildlife office in order to ascertain its causes and take precautionary steps.
He also asked the people to get their domestic animals vaccinated, adding he said all the poultry farm owners should ensure proper vaccination of birds in order to protect them from bird flu.
He asked the people to avoid swimming in coastal areas, lakes and other spots where birds are found and not to touch any dead bird.
Special secretary health, Dr Captain Abdul Majid, Additional secretary Zubair Ahmed Khan and Dr Jamal of Qatar Hospital attended the meeting.
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