Materia Medica Malaysiana

Bird Flu Watch: Malaysia on full alert, says Chua

MUAR, Feb 3:
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The country is on full alert against any outbreak of the bird flu, Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said today.
He said tests on chicken farms by the Veterinary Services Department nationwide showed no sign of the virus.

He said security forces at the Malaysia-Thailand border were also stepping up checks to prevent smuggling of chicken products and livestock.

Chua said strict enforcement was needed to stop any attempt to smuggle in dressed chicken from Thailand which is sold at RM3 per kilo there compared to RM5 per kilo in Malaysia.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will act swiftly if the need arises,” he told reporters after attending two Gong Xi Fa Cai celebrations organised by Chinese associations and community here.

Chua said the ministry was also concerned over the re-emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in China and fears in Vietnam that pigs might have caught the bird flu, which could result in a new and powerful strain that could be passed on to humans.

He called on private hospitals and clinics to notify the ministry immediately of suspected bird flu victims.

In the event of an outbreak here, he said measures similar to those used to contain SARS would be put into effect.

Chua also advised those returning from countries affected with the bird flu or with symptoms such as sore throat, fever and cough, to seek immediate treatment.