February 21, 2006

Malaysia confirms bird flu in free range chickens

The Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry has confirmed on Feb 20 that 40 free range chickens were infected with the H5N1 strain of bird flu.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said tests have confirmed the death of the free range chickens in the week ending Feb 17 were caused by the deadly H5N1 strain.

The minister added that the deaths were an isolated case and asked the public not to worry as there were no human deaths involved. He said all 110 free range chickens in the affected area covering four settlements have been culled.

The Veterinary Services Department has taken immediate preventive action to contain the outbreak, said Muhyiddin.

He said in addition to culling the free range chickens in the area, officials have also acted to guard at all exit points in the area to keep any free range chicken from moving out of the affected area.

In reaction, Singapore, the country's largest market for poultry has suspended poultry imports from Selangor.