ISLAMABAD (February 10 2004): The government has decided to launch a media campaign to dispel the wrong impression that consumption of poultry and its products are not safe for human consumption.

This was decided in a meeting of the crises management committee for control of Avian Influenza held here on Monday in the ministry of food, agriculture and livestock.

The representatives of provincial livestock departments, FAO country representative, head of development operations, European Union, WHO representative and also the representatives of Pakistan Poultry Association were present on the occasion.

The current situation of Avian Influenza in Karachi was reviewed and observed that no fresh cases are being reported in any poultry farm of Karachi.

It was further observed that only H-7 and H-9 of Avian Influenza outbreaks were recorded during the months of November and December last, which was not harmful for human use.

However, a wrong impression has been created that consumption of poultry and poultry products are not safe for human consumption.

Therefore it has been decided that this impression needs to be dispelled as soon as possible.

It was also explained that consumption of poultry and poultry products after proper cooking is safe for human consumption so there is no need to worry in this connection.

Courtesy Business Recorder