August 9, 2004

 

 

Bird Flu Quarantine Order On Duck Farm In Malaysia Not Lifted

 

The quarantine order on a duck farm in Kampar, Perak, has not been lifted although no signs of avian influenza were found following tests by the Veterinary Services Department.

 

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar said yesterday the farm had to be quarantined for a few days more because the authorities were now investigating how some ducks contracted the disease as discovered by the Singapore Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority.

 

"Our veterinary officers had conducted two tests and both results were negative, and the farm was given a clean bill of health.

 

"However, the authorities still have to quarantine the farm to investigate the source of the problem. 

 

"The affected farm has about 11,000 ducks and veterinary officials had so far taken samples from about 300 ducks. All were free from any type of avian influenza," he said after attending the Kemas sports carnival for kindergarten children at the SMKA Al-Irshad here yesterday.

 

Singapore had suspended imports of poultry from the Kampar farm when routine tests showed suspected low-grade bird flu.

 

It said the suspension was a precaution and that the suspected infection was low-grade and not likely to pose a public health risk.

 

Singapore imports ducks from 43 farms in Malaysia, of which 39 are located in Perak.

 

However, Japan had taken similar action following the suspension by Singapore.

 

Mohd Shariff said his ministry had notified the Japanese authorities of the latest test results.

 

"We are communicating with them. We are not hiding facts from our clients and we are being transparent in handling the matter. 

 

"We are now waiting for their feedback.

 

"The poultry industry is an important economic sector and we want our clients to have complete confidence in our products," he said.