Bird flu spreads to Penang

Star: BAGAN SERAI: The H5N1 avian flu virus strain – already detected in Kuala Lumpur and Perak this year – has now been found in northern Seberang Prai in Penang.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was detected in samples taken from six dead ayam kampung (free-range chickens) from a flock in Kampung Permatang Bogak in Penaga.
He said the Veterinary Services Department had confirmed that the samples – sent to the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh on Saturday – had tested positive for the virus.
“This is not a good development,” he told reporters after visiting the EcoPark at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort.
All the exotic birds at the park had been culled after samples of bird droppings there tested positive on March 15.
The virus had also been detected earlier in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur; and in Kampung Changkat Tualang, near Gopeng, Perak.
Muhyiddin said that due to the latest development all states were required to be vigilant, and random sampling tests would be conducted nationwide.
He said some quarters had complained that the disclosure about the spread of the virus had caused sales of chicken to drop.
However, he said, such disclosure was needed for the sake of public health and the long-term benefit of the poultry-rearing industry.
Earlier, Muhyiddin said five new birds had been introduced into the EcoPark aviary where the virus was detected.
“If samples taken from them within two or three weeks are clear of the virus, the aviary can be reopened to visitors,” he said.
In Kepala Batas, health authorities have banned bird-rearing activities within a 1km radius of Kampung Permatang Bogak.
Notices were distributed to villagers as officials begun the culling exercise last night to contain the disease.
About 200 birds, including chickens, ducks and geese, were culled after the state veterinary services department found birds infected with the virus.
The notice also prohibited the breeding and slaughtering of birds within the designated 1km radius as well as in nearby Kampung Pajak Song and Permatang Sintuk.
About 200 personnel from the veterinary department, health department, district office, Rela and police jointly carried out the culling operation in Permatang Bogak.