PM: We can fight bird flu

Star: SEREMBAN: Malaysia is ready with the necessary mechanisms to fight bird flu, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“The Health Ministry and relevant departments are monitoring the situation carefully and we have the necessary mechanisms to put into action if there are any problems,” he told reporters after presenting cheques to Felda Sendayan settlers here.
“It involves a few ministries and we will take whatever necessary action as needed.
“This includes getting information from our neighbouring countries on what can be implemented to solve the problem. There needs to be information.”

In KUALA LUMPUR, only four people, including two latest cases, remained under observation at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said one of them showed no signs of having contracted the flu while a two-year-old child was placed in the isolation ward.
He said the two latest cases were taken to the hospital to undergo tests.
“They will be discharged tomorrow (Friday) if they test negative for the avian flu,” he told reporters after opening the healthcare conference on diabetes management.
“There is no case of the avian flu affecting people in Malaysia. We only have confirmed avian flu cases among chickens.”
Veterinary Services Department acting director-general Datuk Dr Mustapa Jalil said strict surveillance, checking of premises and the culling exercise were continuing.
“As of today (yesterday), 1,970 chickens, 62 ducks, 72 birds and 505 eggs have been destroyed,” he said in a statement.
Dr Mustapa said surveillance of an area between a 2km and 10km radius of the affected area, which started yesterday, was to ensure that Kuala Lumpur, Ulu Klang, Gombak and its surrounding neighbourhoods were free from avian flu.
“The surveillance is carried out by teams from the department in Selangor,” he said.
“So far, our teams have taken 114 swab samples from 237 birds belonging to 24 residents and three pet shops located in Selayang and Hulu Klang.
“All have tested negative.”