Singapore - MOH says bird flu risk in Singapore "very low"

SINGAPORE : Singapore's health ministry has said the risk of bird flu in the country is very low, as no human cases have been reported in Hong Kong.

But it is in close contact with its counterparts in Hong Kong, which is on a heightened alert for bird flu.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said this in response to media queries on Wednesday, as Hong Kong authorities culled 17,000 chickens after a chicken at a wholesale market and two wild birds tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

MOH said it is monitoring the situation closely.

It urged travellers to Hong Kong to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection.

They should observe measures recommended by the health authorities in Hong Kong.

This means they should avoid direct contact with poultry, birds or their droppings, and if contact is made, wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. They should also cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating, wash their hands frequently, avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever, and wear a mask when they have respiratory symptoms or are unwell.

Travellers returning to Singapore from Hong Kong should seek prompt medical attention and provide their travel history to their doctors, if they develop fever and/or influenza-like illnesses.

Singaporeans are advised to stay updated on the avian influenza situation in Hong Kong.

They can do so at the website of the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection at http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/.

Meanwhile, in response to queries from Channel NewsAsia, Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said it has the necessary precautionary measures in place to prevent the incursion of bird flu.

It said that currently, there is no import of poultry and poultry products from Hong Kong as there are no accredited meat establishments in Hong Kong.

Travellers are also prohibited from bringing in poultry and poultry products from Hong Kong.

Processed poultry products can only be imported from accredited establishments in mainland China.

AVA will continue to monitor the situation closely.

To ensure food safety, meat and meat products can only be imported from accredited establishments in approved countries.

The import of poultry and poultry products from countries affected by bird flu is also prohibited.

As part of its routine surveillance and inspection programme, AVA regularly monitors and samples imported poultry and eggs at points of entry to ensure that they are safe for consumption.

Local poultry slaughterhouses and poultry farms are also closely monitored.

Operators of slaughterhouses and farms have been briefed on how to look out for signs of bird flu.

They have to immediately report to AVA if they suspect a bird flu outbreak on their premises.

Farms must also ensure that biosecurity measures, such as disinfection, are in place.

As an added precaution, the public is not allowed to visit local poultry farms.

- CNA/ms


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