May 24, 2005

Full alert in Malaysia for bird flu outbreak

Malaysia has been placed on full alert for a possible avian flu outbreak following the discovery in China of some migratory birds having died from the H5N1 virus.

Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said he would seek the co-operation of the Wildlife Department in monitoring migratory birds that come into the country. All live chicken, meat and meat products from China will also be banned until further notice.

Malaysia officially declared itself free of bird flu in January and no human infections have been reported so far.