August 4, 2004

Singapore Suspends Duck Imports From Malaysian Farm Due To Suspected Bird Flu

Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has suspended further imports of ducks from a Malaysian farm in the Perak state. This move follows the finding of suspected Avian Influenza (AI) infection in a consignment of healthy ducks.

The ducks were imported from Malaysia on July 28 this year, and the testing under AVA's routine monitoring program showed a suspected "H5" subtype infection of low pathogenicity, according to a statement by the AVA on Tuesday night.

With immediate effect, the AVA has suspended further imports of ducks from the affected farm as a precautionary measure.

The AVA had found "H5" subtypes infection in ducks imported from the neighboring country in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

The AVA reaffirmed that the island state is free from bird flu so far.