Bird flu virus in KL confirmed subtype of the one found in Indonesia

Star: PUTRAJAYA: Tests by the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh has confirmed that the H5N1 strain of avian flu affecting the area in Jalan Genting Klang is a subtype of the one found in Indonesia.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was carried to determine the DNA sequencing of the virus detected in chicken and fowl in the area.
“We confirmed that the virus is a subtype of the one affecting free range chicken (ayam kampung) in Indonesia,” he said.
However, Muhyiddin declined to speculate if the virus had been brought into the country through smuggled chicken or fowl smuggled in from Indonesia.
“Our policy is that the Government has banned any importation of chicken or other fowls from countries affected by the H5N1 strain of avian flu,” he pointed out.
There are squatter areas around Jalan Genting Klang – Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, Taman Danau Kota, Pekan Danau Kota and Kampung Belakang JPJ has been known to harbour illegal immigrants.