September 23, 2004

Chicken Supply In Malaysia Sufficient For Local Festival

The state-wide quarantine due to the bird flu situation in Kelantan, Malaysia may only be lifted in November.

As a result, there had initially been fears that further culling of poultry and the recent detection of the foot-and-mouth disease may cause a shortage of chicken and beef during the local festivals Ramadan and Hari Raya.

However, these fears have now been allayed by the Veterinary Services Department which has assured the public of adequate supplies during the festive period.

State Veterinary Director Dr Idris Kadir said: "Even if there is a shortage within (Kelantan), we have other means of ensuring there is enough (supply). We will most likely bring in supplies from the west coast (States)."

Dr Idris said that depending on the situation, the quarantine could last another three to four weeks, if there were no new cases detected. According to standard procedure, the quarantine can only be lifted if there are no new cases detected within 21 days after the last culling.

"Unfortunately, we are still not through with the culling (exercise) in some areas. It seems that there are a lot more to go." The department staff had already culled 5,941 chickens, ducks and other birds in all the nine villages throughout the four affected districts.

The HN51 virus has so far been found in poultry in the Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru and Bachok districts. The first case was detected in Pasir Pekan, Tumpat, on August 17.