November 16, 2004

 

 

Malaysia Ready to be Declared Bird Flu Free
 

If there are no new bird flu cases detected in Kelantan state, Malaysia will be declared free of the disease as early as next week, according to Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein. 

 

Although Malaysia had fulfilled international health requirements with no new cases found within 21 days of the last case, local health authorities were doing tests "to be absolutely sure" that the state was free from new cases. 

 

The World Organisation for Animal Health state that for a zone or a state to be declared bird flu-free, there should be no new cases within 21 days of the last case detected or the last day of culling. 

 

"The threat still exists from neighbouring countries. The tests are part of our own initiative to be sure," Dr Hawari said. 

 

He added that the authorities have completed ground tests, and samples had been sent to the laboratories. Results should be out in one or two weeks' time. 

 

"If the tests are positive, meaning that there are new cases, then we have to start from scratch again," he said. 

 

24-hour checks were still being conducted at all exit routes in Kelantan to prevent poultry from being taken out of the state, while the poultry ban from neighbouring countries was still being enforced. 

 

The dreaded "H5" bird flu virus strain is believed to have originated from an infected fighter cock brought in from Thailand. The disease was first detected at Baru Pasir Pekan Village in Tumpat on August 17.

 

Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia adviser Datuk Francis Lau commented the industry was looking forward to the declaration and poultry breeders were happy with the control measures taken by the authorities. 

 

"The authorities have been able to control the movement of poultry in the affected state and had worked hard to allow the export of poultry to Singapore from farms in Johor and Malacca," he said.  

 

He added that the department should be lauded for their close co-operation with the Singapore Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).