October 25, 2004

Malaysia's Kelantan Still Monitoring Bird Flu

Although the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus was last detected in Malaysia's Kelantan state over a month ago, swabs are still being taken from birds in affected areas as a precautionary measure.

The HPAI virus was first detected in the state in Kampung Baru Pasir Pekan, Tumpat, on August 17, and last detected in Tanah Merah on September 14. It is believed to have come from an infected fighting cock brought in from Thailand.

As of last week, a total of 17,972 birds have been culled in five districts -- Tumpat, Kota Baharu, Pasir Mas, Bachok and Tanah Merah.

Monitoring and surveillance were ongoing at the state's borders as Kelantan still observes a quarantine that restricts the entry or exit of birds from the state without a permit from the veterinary authorities.