September 7, 2004

Singapore Maintains Ban On Malaysia's Poultry, Eggs

Singapore has extended its ban on poultry and eggs from Malaysia. This move follows the detection of a second case of bird flu in a Kelantan kampung - about five kilometres from the first outbreak there three weeks ago.

The new case means Malaysia cannot declare the state free from bird-flu for at least another 21 days.

However in an interesting development, Singapore has said it may resume imports from non-affected parts of Malaysia earlier.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said it was working with Malaysia to identify bird flu free zones, so that Singapore can resume poultry and egg imports from these areas earlier than 21 days.

The AVA said the supply of frozen poultry in the country was adequate, and prices have remained relatively stable even before this new plan begins.

Moreover, Singapore can now import eggs from another nine farms in Australia which have just been approved by the AVA.