May 1, 2006

Pakistan bans serving of chicken in official functions

Pakistan has banned the serving of chicken dishes in official functions due to bird flu concerns in parts of the country, Minister for Health Muhammad Naseer Khan told the Pakistan Parliament Friday (Apr 28).

Despite the outbreak of bird flu in several poultry farms, no human cases have been reported so far, he said.

The government has taken precautionary measures to control bird flu in all affected areas. Poultry in the affected farms and surrounding areas up to seven kilometres have been culled to contain the disease, he said, adding the government is working closely with WHO in the effort.