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Bird flu outbreak in Pakistan zoo Bird flu outbreak in Pakistan zoo
(about 10 hours later)
An outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has killed at least four peacocks and a goose in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, officials say. The zoo in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, has been closed temporarily after tests confirmed an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu.
A report said the Marghzar zoo has been shut down temporarily and authorities have been vaccinating birds. 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.
Bird flu normally only infects birds and though it can be contracted by humans, scientists say the chances are extremely low. Tests are also being carried out on staff who work at the zoo, particularly those in close contact with the birds.
Mohammad Afzal of Pakistan's Ministry of Agriculture told the Reuters news agency that tests conducted on the dead birds at the Marghzar zoo had found "they were all positive for H5N1". 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.