June 17, 2005

New preventive measure against bird flu in Singapore

The Singapore government has imposed a complete ban on poultry rearing on an offshore island to keep out bird flu. No one would be allowed to keep, breed, sell or buy live poultry on the island as of June 17.

The government announced that nearly all of the island's remaining poultry have been rounded up for slaughter before the ban takes effect.

Most of the nine farms and 17 households rearing poultry on the island sold what was left to the government and the poultry industry association at market prices.

The nine farmers affected by the ban have a month to decide if they wish to take up a government resettlement package.

Farmers who decline can choose to remain on the island and continue with their farming activities, except livestock rearing.

The ban does not include households on the Singapore mainland.