November 17, 2004

Singapore May Lift Ban on Ducks from Malaysia's Perak After Inspections

Singapore may lift a ban on duck imports from Malaysian state Perak after its authorities complete a five-day inspection of duck farms and ducks beginning Monday.

Officials from the republic's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) are expected to check on the cleanliness of the farms, collect samples of blood of the ducks as well as examine the food and water given to the livestock.

Many small duck farms in the state have ended business since the ban was announced, while the big ones are losing millions just to stay in operation.

On August 18, Singapore imposed a blanket suspension on the import of Malaysian poultry products after the H5 strain of avian influenza was detected in Tumpat, Kelantan.

However, exports from farms in Johor and Malacca were allowed at the end of September after AVA conducted checks on all chicken- and duck-rearing farms recognised by AVA in the two states. This move ensures that they conformed with bio-safety measures.

There are 43 duck farms in Malaysia accredited by AVA for supply of live ducks to Singapore.

Ninety percent of all duck meat consumed in Singapore comes from live ducks from Malaysia, with about 20,000 live ducks exported to the republic daily.