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  Today Online 1 Mar 06
S'pore ruffled by threat of bird flu
 Teo Xuanwei xuanweit@newstoday.com.sg

DESPITE Singapore being free from bird flu, the spread of the H5N1 virus from region to region has unnerved some.

Over the past week, the MediaCorp News Hotline has received at least nine calls related to sightings of dead birds or concern over the rearing of poultry in public places. Many of the callers Today spoke to said they were worried the birds may have died of avian flu.

Said a caller, who wanted to be known only as Kathy: "With bird flu spreading in so many places, it's better to get somebody to go down and have a look. You never know."

A check with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) revealed it receives "an average of one call a week" regarding dead bird sightings. According to Mr Madhavan Kannan, head of AVA's Centre for Animal Welfare and Control, AVA officers only investigate cases where there are more than five dead birds.

The dead birds would be sent to a laboratory "for routine testing for bird flu". For cases where there are less than five dead birds, the caller is advised to "place the dead birds in a polythene bag, tie it up and dispose the birds with refuse", he said.

Mr Madhavan advised the public to adopt good hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly after coming into contact with dead birds or faecal matter. Those who spot numerous dead birds should contact the National Environment Agency at 1800 255 5632.

Following the announcement of the outbreak of bird flu in France, the AVA has suspended the import of all poultry and poultry products from France starting last Monday. Heat-processed and canned poultry products are not included in this suspension.

An AVA spokesperson said that poultry and poultry product imports make up less than 1 per cent of Singapore's total imports and that the suspension was unlikely to affect supplies.

Mr Raymond Lim, spokesperson for French restaurant Les Amis, said that although some of the restaurant's dishes such as foie gras are from France, they are "not likely to be affected for the time being" because local suppliers still have stocks.

For queries on the ban, call 6325 7313 or 6325 7624.
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