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Straits Times Forum Online 18 Nov 05 Can Jurong BirdPark be kept safe from infection by migratory birds? Just how well-protected are the birds at the Jurong BirdPark from bird flu infection? About a month ago, I spotted a white duck sitting in the grass in the African Grassland enclosure at the BirdPark with the Shoebill and Crowned Cranes. Was it a migratory bird making a stopover on its long flight or was it an escapee from another enclosure? It certainly didn't look like one of the sentinel chickens seen on the BirdPark's webpage www.birdpark.com.sg . Perhaps the authorities may want to consider making the BirdPark 'biosecure'? Chiang Ming Yu The Straits Times Forum Online 22 Nov 05 Jurong BirdPark has strict bio-security measures against bird flu Reply from Jurong BirdPark We thank reader Chiang Ming Yu for his letter 'Can Jurong BirdPark be kept safe from infection by migratory birds?' (ST Online Forum Nov 18). Jurong BirdPark would like to assure Mr Chiang that our visitors and employees' safety is of paramount importance to us and we will do all that is necessary to ensure their well-being. Jurong BirdPark is not along the flight paths and also not the landing point of migratory birds. As such, the risk of infection by migratory birds is very low. Secondly, migratory birds to Singapore are mainly shore birds and they are mostly found in Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. Nevertheless, we are working very closely with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) on the precautionary measures against bird flu. Since August last year, more stringent bio-security measures have been implemented at the park. All birds that are exposed to the public are vaccinated against bird flu. Disinfectant foot dips are provided for keepers and disinfectant mats for visitors entering walk-in exhibits. The staff is trained to monitor the birds daily for symptoms of illness and unusual trends in bird deaths are reported. Sentinel chickens provided by AVA are strategically placed around the park. Blood samples are taken regularly from these chickens to monitor and detect the presence of any diseases. Our workers are also given flu injections. To date, there have been no known cases of bird flu in the park or in the country. AVA is doing an excellent job to keep the disease out of Singapore. In fact, an international advisory panel which visited Jurong BirdPark in July this year had praised Singapore's bio-security standards as 'up there with the best' and it gave the assurance that the chances of bird flu occurring here are very low, given AVA's stringent safety standards. We have various levels of preparedness and responses and together with the AVA, we will continue to monitor the situation in the region and if need be, activate our emergency plan accordingly. Dr Wong Hon Mun Executive Director Jurong BirdPark links Related articles on Global issues: Bird Flu |
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