The recent outbreak of the bird flu only brings to light the dismal conditions the chickens are kept in, not to mention the unhealthy, artificial feed they are given.
Previously chickens were kept in the open, on farms and fed natural grains and seemed to be much healthier.
The bird flu in Pakistan is said to be different from the one that has affected Thailand and other Asian countries. But these countries, too, are accused of, at first, attempting to cover-up the crisis, which resulted in making things worse. Things finally exploded into the open.
The situation about the present bird-flu in Pakistan is still hazy. Nothing substantial is known. Some experts claim that dirty river water is responsible for the outbreak and a similar disease occurred two years ago.
They claim that well-cooked chicken meat is safe to eat but warn against direct human contact. Statements, which seem paradoxical and the timing of this flu, if different from the Asian variety, is very odd.
The head of the Poultry Association claims that the H7 virus detected in Karachi has been eradicated and complains that rumours have destroyed the "poultry business in Pakistan, second only to the textile business." But isn't the question of human lives more important than the financial concerns at the moment? Things must be made clear before it is too late.
What caused this flu and how safe it is to humans to eat the meat of the chicken or be in contact with them should be clarified by the health and veterinary departments.
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