August 9, 2004

Singapore Confirms Malaysia Bird Flu Not Deadly Strain
 
Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has confirmed that the avian influenza detected in a consignment of ducks imported from a farm in Perak is not the strain responsible for the current outbreaks of bird flu in Asia.

AVA says that further tests on the virus isolated from the ducks show that it does not have the ability to cause disease.

But import of ducks from the affected farm will continue to be suspended to minimise the risk of exposure of any bird flu virus to farms here.

AVA will consider lifting the ban when Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services completes its investigations and submits its findings to AVA.

The import of ducks from other Malaysian farms continues to be allowed.

AVA reiterates that Singapore remains free from bird flu and all poultry and poultry products sold locally are safe for consumption.