Stop rearing chickens at home, people told

Star: IPOH: Stop rearing chickens at home, said state Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn.
Reports show that a lot of suburban households kept chickens, he said.
“It is an infringement of the local council by-law,” Chang added.
He was commenting on the two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu strain which were detected in the state.
“People are not allowed to rear chickens in their houses because of hygienic reasons. Chicken droppings attract a lot of flies,” said Chang.
He added that the local councils would continue to issue summonses to stop home owners from rearing chickens.
A resident here who rears chickens at home, said it was a cost-saving exercise.
The resident, who declined to be named, said the birds provided his family with a continuous supply of eggs.
“Sometimes I sell the eggs to my neighbours as they say that the eggs taste better,” he added.
Chang said the state government was also looking into the possibility of stopping the slaughter of chickens at wet markets to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I am waiting for the state Veterinary Services Department to advise us on whether this is necessary,” he said.
In the meantime, he said, chicken sellers must avoid being in close contact with live chickens and must keep their premises clean.