April 15, 2013

Singapore is presently free from bird flu, with poultry products in the country safe for consumption, said the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

However, it has stepped up its monitoring and surveillance of avian influenza in view of the influenza A (H7N9) situation in eastern China.

AVA said it has precautionary measures in place to keep the disease commonly known as bird flu out of Singapore.

It said no poultry from China have been allowed for import since 2004 when bird flu first emerged in the region.

Only processed poultry products, which have been heat-treated to eliminate bird flu virus, are allowed to be imported from accredited establishments in mainland China.

AVA said it regularly monitors and samples imported poultry and eggs as part of its routine surveillance and inspection programme.

According to AVA, ornamental birds can only be imported from bird flu-free countries. Birds must undergo a 21-day pre-export isolation in the country of export. The birds must also be tested free from bird flu before import.

AVA adds that local poultry facilities are also closely monitored.

Additionally, AVA's surveillance has included wild birds in local wetlands reserves and public parks.