November 15, 2010

Pakistan's reference laboratory for poultry diseases yet to be upgraded

The National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases (NRLPD) Islamabad is yet to be upgraded to Bio-Security Level (BSL)-3 despite receiving approval over two years ago.

The NRLPD plays a vital role in the surveillance of bird flu and other deadly viral infections, which are transferable from birds to human beings.

National Avian Influenza Control Programme Sindh Coordinator Dr Muhammad Aslam Jalali said the NRLPD is the only lab of its kind in Pakistan.

The World Organisation for Animal Health, had declared Pakistan as free from bird flu after the NRLPD's results.

Bird Flu Control Programme Sindh Surveillance Officer Dr Rashid Farooq said diagnosis and monitoring of the avian influenza is the responsibility of the NRLPD.

This lab has the ability of analysing the behaviour and structure of all types of viruses, and it has been performing this duty with regard to the bird flu virus since 2004.

The NRLPD is the only Food and Agriculture Organisation-approved lab for handling the avian influenza pandemic in South Asia. Samples from various South Asian countries are sent there for virus isolation and other tests.

The matter of concern is that the lab is not being completely upgraded to BSL-3, which means that a large number of researchers, including 47 PhD scholars, are risking their lives by performing their duties.

Sources in the NRLPD said the lab had been approved for being upgraded more than two years ago, but the authorities are delaying it on the pretext of "lack of funds".