October 10, 2005

Malaysia will make bird flu compensations to farmers

Malaysia's government said it would compensate poultry farmers affected by bird flu last year, to encourage them to report any future outbreaks.

The country's northern Kelantan state was hit by bird flu in 2004, but Malaysia had eradicated the disease and declared itself free of the virus.

Malaysia's government said about US$87,790 was paid to 933 poultry farmers after over 18,000 birds were culled last year. Also, no limits would be set on compensation for future outbreaks.

In addition, a multi-agency task force was formed and contingency plans drafted as a precaution against future outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the government was considering RM500 million to be used in stockpiling the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, reports said.