BIRD FLU VIRUS (Steps to stop spread)

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BIRD FLU VIRUS:

(Steps to stop spread): 6.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan asked the Minister for National Development (a) as the bird flu virus seems to be spreading in Malaysia, what further precautionary steps have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus into Singapore, especially the chicken farms; and (b) what steps will be taken to stop the spread of the virus and protect the public in the event that migratory birds in Singapore are found to be infected with the bird flu virus.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, AVA has been in close touch with its Malaysian counterpart, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), regarding the avian flu outbreaks in Selangor, Perak and Penang. DVS had taken swift and firm actions to contain the outbreaks and to prevent the other Malaysian states from being affected. Both AVA and DVS are working closely together to strictly enforce the various mutually agreed control measures to ensure that poultry and eggs imported from Malaysia into Singapore are free from bird flu, and safe for consumption.

AVA will only allow imports of poultry and eggs from the accredited disease free zones in Malaysia. It will continue to be vigilant and inspect every poultry consignment from these disease free

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zones at the border. It has stepped up the sampling and testing of imported poultry and eggs to detect any presence of the HPAI virus. AVA is also working with the ICA and Police to curb any smuggling of birds and avian products.

At our local poultry slaughterhouses and farms, AVA has also intensified inspection and surveillance. Strict bio-security has been mandated as a licensing condition for farms to continue their operations. In addition, AVA is now working with farms to implement bio-segregation to minimise inter-farm contact. This will prevent any spread of infectious agents between the farms.

AVA, NParks and NEA have also stepped up surveillance of wild birds in nature reserves and also stepped up surveillance of urban pest birds. Birds at the Bird Park, Sentosa and Botanic Gardens have been vaccinated. The public should continue to keep their pet birds and poultry caged, and observe personal hygiene after handling birds. As for dead birds found in public places, the public should contact NEA for assistance if they have any doubts about how to dispose of them.

AVA is ready to implement emergency vaccination of poultry in our local farms when there is an imminent threat of avian flu incursion into Singapore, such as when there are rampant outbreaks in areas of close proximity to Singapore, or when there is an imminent threat of a human flu pandemic.

Sir, as the avian flu has become endemic in this region, we need to remain highly vigilant. AVA will continually review the situation and implement further measures when necessary to mitigate the risks of a bird flu incursion into Singapore.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether protocols are actually in place or will be developed

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together with the other relevant Ministries to disseminate information to the public on the proper response if they were to find dead birds. If so, what are they and what will be the responsibilities of the different agencies, like the AVA and NEA, because I understand that NEA is in charge of certain birds and AVA may be in charge of others? Which is the agency to contact?

I would also like to ask the Minister whether there are plans among the different agencies to launch a continuous public education effort, using both print and broadcast media, regarding bird flu and the precautions we should take against bird flu, so that Singaporeans will not become complacent whilst we still remain free of bird flu.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, with regard to the specific issue of dead birds, as I explained in my answer, if anybody sees a dead bird or is aware of such a situation, please get in touch with NEA. There is an established protocol/agreement between AVA and NEA that as far as disposal of dead birds is concerned, NEA will be in charge. There are no "ifs" and "buts" about it. It is very clear. However, if somebody is not sure and calls up AVA or some people may even call up the police or whatever, there is also an established protocol to direct such calls to the relevant agency concerned, in this case, the NEA.

As far as nation-wide publicity campaign is concerned, I think the Member may be aware that we have an inter-Ministry Committee on Avian Flu, which is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Wong Kan Seng. All the relevant Ministries are represented in this Committee - MND/AVA, MOH, MICA, etc. The Committee is now in the process of preparing a publicity programme which will keep Singaporeans informed of avian flu - what are the dangers involved, what are the threat

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situations, how is the Government going to respond, and how should citizens respond in such a situation. We have not had a bird flu outbreak in Singapore, but I do not think we can ever discount the fact that such an outbreak will happen in Singapore. So it is important for us to be prepared, not just at the Government level but also at the level of the households, at the industry level, at the level of the importers, and so on. Such a contingency plan is being prepared and relevant publicity will be disseminated in the very near future.

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong: Sir, with regard to chicken farms and especially slaughter house workers, I believe they must be well trained and briefed on the precautionary measures to take. But are they insured under the Workmen's Compensation Act or any other kind of insurance in the event that they are afflicted with the bird flu virus?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, the slaughter houses are, obviously, one very critical part of the production chain. This is the reason why we maintain a very strict vigilance on the bio-security of the slaughter houses and also on the training and hygiene protocols for slaughter house workers. So, if necessary, they will be vaccinated; they will be trained on how to properly handle carcases as they come in, and how to properly do the slaughtering. In any case, if there is an outbreak of the HPAI bird flu and any of them are infected, they will be covered by the relevant insurance plans, including workmen's compensation.