This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/6378045.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Bird flu outbreak in Pakistan zoo | Bird flu outbreak in Pakistan zoo |
(about 10 hours later) | |
The zoo in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, has been closed temporarily after tests confirmed an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. | |
Twenty-four birds of different types have died at the zoo since 12 February and authorities have been vaccinating birds against avian flu. | |
Earlier this month the virus was found in chickens in nearby Rawalpindi. | Earlier this month the virus was found in chickens in nearby Rawalpindi. |
Tests are also being carried out on staff who work at the zoo, particularly those in close contact with the birds. | |
Bird flu normally only infects birds and, though it can be contracted by humans, scientists say the chances of this happening are extremely low. | |
The H5N1 virus does not at present pose a large-scale threat to humans, as it cannot pass from one person to another. | The H5N1 virus does not at present pose a large-scale threat to humans, as it cannot pass from one person to another. |
However, experts fear the virus could mutate and in its new form trigger a flu pandemic, potentially putting millions of human lives at risk. | However, experts fear the virus could mutate and in its new form trigger a flu pandemic, potentially putting millions of human lives at risk. |
Last March H5N1 was found in north-west Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. | Last March H5N1 was found in north-west Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. |
Previous version
1
Next version