Bird Flu?
I read this in the Peninsular on line.
Seems a bit strange...any other comments?
No traces of flu in 500 chicken deaths in Khor, says Ministry
Web posted at: 3/25/2006 9:3:38
Source ::: The Peninsula
Doha: None of a nearly 500 chicken that died in Al Khor over the past two months has shown traces of avian flu, says the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (MMAA).
Head of animal resources department at the ministry, Dr Qassem Al Qahtani, told QNA that some of the nearly 500 chickens that died, perished due to coxalgia (pain in hip joints) and epilepsy.
While others died due to worms as the food given to them was not clean, he said. The rumours that the hens died due to avian flu is totally baseless. “We have taken samples of the dead chickens and tested them in our laboratory and no trace of avian flu is found in any of the dead birds,� said Dr Al Qahtani.
He said that his department was mounting a round-the-clock vigil through mobile units and in case there was any incident of avian flu reported, the public would be informed immediately. “We will deal with the situation in an expert way as also with transparency,� he said. So far there is no case of avian flu reported in the country and all inlets were being closely monitored.
GIASI,
I think it's significant that the tests were undertaken in Qatar. They have previously (although not for bird flu) sent samples to the UK for testing. With the number of migratory birds passing through the State, I would be surprised if Qatar escaed without any cases.
I have never heard of chickens dying en mass from "hip problems" and "epilepsy".
I'll wait and see what else transpires on this issue.
I beg to differ on this one. I agree that the government (like any other goverment on earth) would lie to make itself look good to the populace but this bird flu issue is bound by international obligations. Any country found to be intentionally covering up cases will be subject to an international backlash. Qatar is not significant enough not to do what is expected.
Respect
GIASI
exactly
Of course not!
Does the temperature ever rise to the degree that outside workers have to be sent home?
Let's see it from this perspective: If it was, in fact, due to avian flu, would the authorities inform about it?