The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has approved an emergency assistance worth $390,000 as grant-in-aid for the control of Avian Influenza in the country.

Secretary Food & Agriculture, Salik Nazir Ahmed and Dr Omar Salah Ahmed, FAO representative signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and the FAO respectively here on Monday.

The primary objective of the project is to support efforts aiming at an immediate control of avian influenza outbreak in all poultry species, so as to stop the transmission of the disease from poultry to humans.

Specific objectives will be defined during the inception mission of the project and could include; preparation of a zoning plan where culling could start; training of farmers and government workers on safe disposal and disinfecting techniques and precautions needed; and laying the groundwork for a national epidemiological study of the disease through surveillance, mapping, disease modelling and enhancing laboratory diagnostics capacity.

The project provides the services of two international consultants, two national consultants, and FAO supervisory and advisory technical services including field missions. It will also cover the cost of supplies, equipment, official travel, training and general as well as direct operating expenses.

Courtesy Business Recorder