RAWALPINDI (February 15 2004): Terming the bird flu campaign a brainchild of western media and an attempt to destroy the Pakistani poultry market, the Pakistan

Poultry Association (PPA) has said that Pakistan has faced a loss of more than Rs 3 billion besides disturbing about 1.5 million people involved with this industry.

The cancellation of the export orders of chicken and other poultry products have inflicted huge economic loss to country as a result of propaganda of western media.

Dr Hassan Sarosh Akram, Vice President PPA, stated this here on Saturday during a day-long presentation to media person and business community jointly organised by PPA and Rawalpindi Chamber of commerce and Industry.

The PPA officials including Dr Aslam and Dr Sadiq briefed participants about the crisis of poultry industry in Pakistan as a result of the rumours of bird flu.

Acting President RCCI Jawed Akhtar Bhatti presided over the function.

Dr Sarosh said that it is unfortunate that a new term was introduced not even known to poultry farmers.

There is an influenza of chicken which is no way harmful to human beings. He said that doctors all over the country have tested and not found any single person of such diseases affected by use of chicken.

He said that H-10 is existing in Pakistan for past more than one decade and so far no person died of use of chicken.

Talking on bird flu in Thailand and other countries he said that H-7 after mixing with pork carried virus is causing problems for human beings. But as far Pakistan is concerned there is not a single bore, which could carry this virus.

People should realise the situation and keep in mind that there is no disease existing like bird flu, he added.

"Poultry industry is such an organised industry of Pakistan and all measures to maintain hygienic conditions are being taken into consideration during poultry farming," Sarosh said and added that proper vaccination and medication of chicken is necessary for saving them.

Courtesy Business Recorder