# 415
It's an old story, but a familiar one. A country manages go go a few months without detecting, or at least reporting any incidences of bird flu infection, and they proudly announce they are free of the virus. Then, six months, or a year later, it shows up again.
Joining the ranks of countries formerly known as bird-flu-free today is Pakistan. This from the AP.
More bird flu reported in chickens in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Laboratory tests confirm the H5N1 strain of bird flu has infected poultry near the capital and elsewhere in Pakistan, the agriculture ministry said Tuesday.
The virus, which badly affected the country's poultry industry last year, was found in a chicken flock at a home near Islamabad, and also in peacocks in a village in northwestern Pakistan, according to a Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock statement.
The state-run National Reference Laboratory received these two "positive samples of avian influenza (H5N1)" at the weekend, the statement said. The facility is backed by the World Health Organization.
Small, limited outbreaks to be sure. At least for now. But history has shown this virus to be very difficult to erradicate completely.
It tends to come back.
