‘ No H5N1 virus in chickens, eggs’

> Products safe for consumption, says vet dept

PUTRAJAYA: Broiler chickens and eggs available in the market are safe for consumption, as the products are supplied by the country’s authorised chicken breeders and operators, and are certified free from the H5N1 avian flu, the Veterinary Services Department has assured customers.

It said breeders and operators are constantly monitoring the situation and imposing controls on their birds’ movements in their respective states.

“The level of precaution in other states (except for Kelantan), which remain free (of H5N1) is at an alltime high,” it added in a statement here yesterday.

According to the statement, the H5N1 outbreak is currently being contained within a 30km radius of Kampung Pulau Tebu (where the outbreak was detected), and involves six jurisdictions in Kelantan, namely Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Tumpat, Tanah Merah and Bachok.

“A total of 121 birds were culled and 31 eggs destroyed in an exercise at 18 locations yesterday, while three chickens were seized in an inspection on 208 vehicles in the state.

“The culling exercise continues at other locations. In total, 37,862 birds were culled and 15,450 eggs destroyed so far. In addition, 3,602 samples from 613 bird owners have been taken,” said the department. – Bernama