Muhyiddin Says Bird Flu Case Isolated, Assures No Cause For Alarm

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The death of 40 free range chickens from the H5N1 avian influenza virus at Mile 4 1/2 Jalan Genting Kelang here last week was an isolated case, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Monday.
He said the public did not need to worry as there was no death involving a human from the virus.
"Tests conducted at the Veterinary Laboratory in Petaling Jaya and at the Livestock Research Institute in Ipoh confirmed the death of the free range chickens was caused by H5N1 avian influenza virus," he said in a statement issued through Bernama Monday.
Muhyiddin, who is leading an agricultural investment mission to Dubai, said all 110 free range chickens in the area covering the four settlements of Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, Taman Danau Kota, Pekan Danau Kota and Kampung Belakang JPJ, had been destroyed.
The statement was made in response to a Singapore Straits Times online report that the island republic had suspended with immediate effect the importation of poultry and eggs from Selangor after H5N1 bird flu virus was found in chickens in a village in the state.
"Immediate and integrated action had been taken by the Veterinary Services Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Health Ministry to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading," said Muhyiddin.
Besides destroying the free range chickens in the area, he said, the agencies also took action to guard and keep watch on all exits in the affected area to prevent any free range chicken from being moved out of there.
"Action to disinfect all chicken coops in the affected area was also carried out while monitoring of the area and its residents was continuing," he said.
He urged the public to report any deaths in large numbers of all types of birds to the authorities nearest them.