Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Pakistan
PAKISTAN - A report via OIE, confirming the recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Pakistan.
28 January 2004
3 minute read
(Date of previous outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Pakistan reported to the OIE: 2000).
Information received on 28 January 2004 from Mr Rafaqat Hussain Raja, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Islamabad:
Date of the report: 27 January 2004.
Nature of diagnosis: clinical, post-mortem and laboratory.
Date of initial detection of animal health incident: 19 January 2004.
Estimated date of primary infection: 15 January 2004.
Three outbreaks of avian influenza were reported in the state of Karachi, Sindh province.
Description of affected population: layer hens in commercial farms.
Total number of animals in the outbreaks:
susceptible: 6.4 million.
cases: 2.5 million.
deaths: 1.2 million.
slaughtered: 0.5 million.
Diagnosis:
A. Laboratories where diagnosis was made:
- National Animal Sciences Institute, Pakistan Agriculture Research Institute, Islamabad.
- Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore and National Veterinary Laboratory, Islamabad.
Samples have been submitted to the Reference Laboratory in the United Kingdom for confirmation.
B. Diagnostic tests used:
- inoculation into embryonated SPF fowl eggs,
- agar gel immunodiffusion test,
- haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition tests,
- agar gel precipitation test.
Laboratory diagnosis was made on 25 January 2004.
C. Causal agent: H7 strain of avian influenza virus was detected.
Source of agent / origin of infection: investigations are underway.
Control measures:
- All the birds at the affected farms have been quarantined and vaccinated against avian influenza.
- Zoosanitary measures have been instituted and movements of the animals have been restricted.
- Control of wild reservoirs.
- Zoning.
- The Livestock Department of Sindh has been asked to further investigate the area of origin of infection.
Source: Office International des Epizooties - 28th January 2004
