FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (Additional precautionary measures)

Mr Noris Ong Chin Guan asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the foot-and-mouth disease in Europe, if his Ministry intends to take additional precautionary measures to prevent a rebound of the epidemic to Singapore.

Dr John Chen Seow Phun (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs and sheep. It does not affect human beings and is therefore not a public health risk. It is also unrelated to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) that affects humans.

Singapore is a FMD-free country. To maintain our FMD-free status, the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) does not allow cloven-hoofed animals and their meat to be imported from FMD-affected places. Following the outbreak of FMD in some European countries, AVA has suspended imports from these countries. Similar restriction was also imposed on milk and milk products from affected countries. These measures are in line with international practices.

Mr Noris Ong Chin Guan (Nominated Member): Sir, as Singapore is an air transit point for many global travellers, could I ask the Minister whether his Ministry is looking at the ban and confiscation of food and produce brought in by travellers for their personal consumption, eg, meats and dairy products? This is a likely loophole to be plugged.

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, we do not allow the import of these items and we will step up enforcement in this area.