Migratory birds no threat

NST: Butterworth: The movement of migratory birds to Malaysia from countries affected by the deadly avian flu, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, does not pose a threat to Malaysians.
National Parks and Wild- life Protection Department (Perhilitan) director-general Musa Nordin, in assuring the public today, said tests on some of the bird species had so far shown that they were free of any disease, including the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Musa said more than 300 samples, taken from over 100 species of birds, had been tested since the first bird flu outbreak in 2003 and all results had come back negative.
"Tests have clearly indicated that the deadly virus can only be passed to humans through local poultry. These migratory birds do not get into contact with our chickens and ducks."
However, he advised the public to immediately report to the authorities if they found cases of birds dying.
"We are not taking any chances. There is still a possibility that some of these birds may bring in the disease.
"Perhilitan together with the Veterinary Services Department will continue to collect blood, saliva as well as bird droppings for testing.
"We will carry out such activities as well as monitor the situation until the migration period (which began last month) ends in March," he said after opening a celebration to welcome the arrival of migratory birds at Dewan Sukan Titi Mukim in Penaga near here today.
The event, sponsored by Shell, was attended by Perhilitan conservation division director Siti Hawa Yatim, Wetlands International- Malaysia director Dr R. Sundari and Penang Malaysian Nature Society chairman K. Kanda.
More than 15,000 birds of over 30 species will make the 3km shoreline in Kuala Muda near here their new home during this period.