KARACHI, April 12: Health officials have so far not tested the workers of the three poultry farms in the city, where, according to farmers’ association, about 67,000 birds died or were culled in the wake of avian flu (H5N1) virus outbreak in the last fortnight.

Since there have been a number of cases of avian flu infecting humans in the past in various countries, it is necessary to test the persons who have been in contact with infected or dead birds, mainly farm workers, experts say. Most at risk are those handling and culling infected birds.

Sources among the stakeholders said the health authorities were concerned about human health but the farmers, who concealed the outbreak, and blocked access to the workers are not cooperating.

It is suspected 14 to 18 workers were in contact with the infected birds. The Pakistan Poultry Association representatives are also reluctant to reveal the names of the infected farms and their owners, while the livestock department officials are also keeping quiet, said a health department official.

The experts said that owners of these farms should not take the matter lightly, as there have been cases where persons have tested positive for the H5N1 strain, though they did not feel ill or show symptoms of avian influenza. The experts fear the virus may develop into a form which can be transmitted from person to person.

Keen observers feel interviews with the farmers and their workers may enable -- particularly in the absence of a second party validated version -- to seek information on the spread of H5N1 virus in Gadap Town, obtain information about the disposal of the culled or slaughtered birds, and health of the workers involved, immunisation status of the birds and quality of the bird feeds at the three farms prior to the virus attack.

According to guidelines, the farm workers at farm must be less than 60 and above 16 years of age, the birds should be destroyed after receiving orders from the livestock and fisheries department’s secretary, a restriction on moving any thing outside the farm, killing of birds by breaking or dislocation of neck, dumping of all dead birds in bags and buried deep.

Meanwhile a city government source said, the EDO (Health) Dr A D Sajnani, is in contact with the Executive District Officer (Agriculture) and District Officer (Poultry) CDGK on the matter.

“It is disturbing to note that the outbreak (reportedly occurred in the first week of April) was deliberately concealed by the poultry farmers and poultry association and the report eaked through the media. This is alarming and could pose a serious danger to public health,” the EDO remarked. He asked the officials to provide all details.