Suspension of Poultry Imports from Malaysia

Are there any import consignments from the affected farm in Kelantan?

There are no accredited farms in the state of Kelantan. As such, no poultry imports from the affected farm came into Singapore.

Will there be enough eggs in the market?

There may be a temporary shortfall of eggs. However, AVA is working with members of the trade such as NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage to increase supplies of eggs (table eggs as well as liquid and powdered eggs) from other approved sources. Increased supplies of eggs from these sources can be imported into Singapore within a week.

What are liquid and powdered eggs?

Liquid and powdered eggs are processed eggs. They look different from table eggs but generally taste the same. Liquid and powdered eggs are commonly used by food establishments such as restaurants and confectioneries.

Does the suspension mean that there will be no more freshly slaughtered poultry in the market? If so, will there be a shortage of poultry? When will the supply of freshly slaughtered chickens resume?

Yes, there will be no supply of freshly slaughtered chickens. However, current stocks of frozen poultry are sufficient to immediately meet the shortfall in supply due to the suspension. Further supplies from other sources can also be brought in quickly. The public is advised not to panic buy. Supply of freshly slaughtered poultry will only resume when Malaysia has eradicated the virus.

When did the last consignment of poultry imports from Malaysia come in? What happened to these imports? Are they safe to eat?

There were no more consignments of poultry imports from Malaysia since noon, 18 Aug 2004. The consignments that came in earlier have been allowed for sale as they came from farms in Malaysia that are not affected by bird flu. There are no accredited poultry farms in Kelantan approved to supply to Singapore. All poultry and poultry products in Singapore, including the import consignments that came in from Malaysia before the suspension, are safe for consumption. Bird flu is not known to be transmitted through the consumption of poultry and eggs.

Will the public still be allowed to bring in poultry and eggs from Malaysia?

No. The public is not allowed to bring in these products. Poultry and eggs which are brought in from Malaysia will be confiscated. Members of the public who bring in the products will also be subject to penalties.

When will the suspension be lifted?

AVA will consider lifting the suspension when Malaysia confirms that the bird flu virus has been completely eradicated.

Facts About Bird Flu

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a highly contagious disease that affects poultry. It can also infect a variety of birds, but domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys are the most susceptible.

How do humans get infected?

It is rare for bird flu to infect humans. In the few cases where humans are infected, the virus is transmitted through close contact with infected chickens. You can only catch the bird flu virus if an infected chicken coughs or sneezes directly into your face, or if you breathe in particles from its droppings. To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

The reported symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia and other complications.

Is there any way to treat bird flu?

Anti-viral drugs (e.g., Tamiflu) appear to be effective in treating bird flu. Further testing is being done to confirm this. If you think you might have been exposed to bird flu, consult your doctor for advice.

Does flu vaccination help to prevent bird flu?

The flu vaccine currently in use worldwide protects against different strains of the human flu virus, but offers little protection from bird flu. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that people exposed to infected chickens or farms under suspicion should be vaccinated with the current WHO recommended human flu vaccine. This is to avoid situations where people may be infected by the prevailing variety of human flu and bird flu at the same time, thus enabling the bird flu virus to mutate and trigger a flu pandemic (i.e., when the disease spreads to the whole of a country or over the whole world).

The Situation in Singapore

Should I be alarmed?

No, because Singapore is free from bird flu. Moreover, bird flu is not a significant public health threat to us because there are few poultry farms in Singapore, and slaughter of poultry is not carried out in wet markets.

What is the Government doing to prevent bird flu from entering Singapore?

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has banned imports of live poultry and birds, poultry meat and eggs from countries affected by bird flu. It has also stepped up inspection and testing of imported eggs and poultry at points of entry. In addition, AVA officers have stepped up checks and surveillance on our poultry farms and poultry slaughterhouses. Farms are required to ensure that biosecurity measures (e.g., bird-proofing their poultry houses, disinfecting their vehicles) are in place. Farm and slaughterhouse employees have also been briefed on how to recognise signs of bird flu, and are required to immediately report any unusual deaths or suspicion of the disease. Lastly, farms have also stopped visits from the public.

How prepared is Singapore to tackle an outbreak here?

Within an hour of the first bird flu case being detected, officers from AVA and other relevant agencies will be mobilised immediately to control the situation. All hospitals and doctors have been advised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to be on the alert. Suspected bird flu patients will be given a surgical mask, and sent to the A & E Department of Tan Tock Seng Hospital for assessment. Patients suspected of having bird flu will be sent to Communicable Disease Centre 2 for isolation to minimise risk of spreading.

Eating Chicken and Poultry

Is it safe to eat chicken, eggs and other poultry?

Yes. The poultry and eggs available in the market are safe to eat. There is no evidence that you can get bird flu by eating chicken, eggs and other poultry products.

What about canned and processed poultry products such as essence of chicken?

Yes, such food products are also safe to eat. All canned products undergo a heat process that effectively destroys any viruses.

Is it safe to handle chickens, eggs and other poultry bought from the market or supermarket?

Yes, it is safe to handle them. However, you should still practise general food safety precautions such as separating raw food from cooked food, and washing your hands after preparing food.

Are there guidelines to cooking poultry?

You should cook poultry meat thoroughly. This will help kill any germs present.

Is it safe to consume raw or half-boiled eggs, and semi-cooked meat?

You should eat food that is well cooked. Eating any raw or semi-cooked food comes with an inherent food safety risk.

Concerns About Chicken Manure

Are imported vegetables grown using chicken manure as fertilizers, especially in bird flu affected countries, safe to eat?

Yes, imported vegetables are safe for consumption. Chicken manure has to be composted before it is useful as a fertilizer. The heat generated during the composting process would have destroyed any bird flu virus, if present. Also, in normal agronomic practice, the organic fertilizer is applied only during preparation of the land, before sowing of seeds. It is not applied when the plants are growing. Hence, vegetable crops are not likely to be contaminated at harvest. Moreover, AVA has in place a food safety assurance programme to ensure the safety of imported and locally produced vegetables. AVA conducts regular tests on imported vegetables for microbial and chemical contaminants. Nonetheless, as a general food safety practice, all fruit and vegetables should be properly washed before they are consumed. Rinse them thoroughly in a basin of water to remove any dirt or residues. Soak the vegetables in a basin of fresh tap water for 15 minutes and then rinse them again.

How about locally produced vegetables?

Are they safe for consumption? Yes, locally produced vegetables are safe for consumption. Singapore is free from bird flu. In addition, local vegetable farms are not allowed to use fresh chicken manure as fertiliser. Only properly composted chicken manure is allowed for use. Any virus present will be destroyed by high temperature during the composting process. Locally produced vegetables are also regularly tested for microbial and chemical contaminants. Nonetheless, as a general food safety practice, all fruit and vegetables should be properly washed before they are consumed. Rinse them thoroughly in a basin of water to remove any dirt or residues. Soak the vegetables in a basin of fresh tap water for 15 minutes and then rinse them again.

What About Live Birds Here?

There have been reports of crows in Japan contracting bird flu. Will crows and other common birds in Singapore such as pigeons and mynahs pose a threat to us?

Singapore is free from bird flu. Crows, mynahs and pigeons in Singapore are not known to be carriers of bird flu. AVA and the National Parks Board conduct regular checks on migratory birds which can be carriers. AVA and the National Environment Agency also conduct regular checks on crows, mynahs and pigeons. So far, no bird flu virus has been detected.

What should I do if I come across dead birds in public places?

Singapore is free from bird flu. It is highly unlikely that the dead birds died from bird flu. However, as a precaution, do not touch the dead birds with bare hands. Practise good hygiene such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap if you come into contact with dead birds. Contact the National Environment Agency at 1800-225 5632 if you come across numerous dead birds.

What should I do if my pet bird falls sick?

Call your veterinarian for advice. If you have more than one bird, separate the healthy birds from the sick birds if possible. The birds could be kept in enclosures (e.g. cage, hen house or a netted area in the garden) that are not adjacent to each other. As a general precaution, adopt hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly with soap after handling the birds.

What should I do if my pet bird dies?

Put the dead bird into a plastic bag; tie the bag up firmly by knotting it and dispose it together with your garbage. Adopt good hygiene practices (e.g. disinfection of bird cage) and wash your hands thoroughly after disposing the dead bird.

Is it dangerous for me to come into contact with stray chickens around my estate?

Singapore is free from bird flu. It is highly unlikely that the stray chickens have bird flu. Practice good hygiene habits and wash your hands thoroughly with soap if you come into contact with any poultry. You can also call the National Environment Agency at 1800-225 5632 if you come across any stray or dead chickens.

Is it safe to visit the Jurong Bird Park and the Zoo?

Singapore is free from bird flu. It is safe to go to places where birds can be found, such as Sungei Buloh, Jurong Bird Park or the Zoo.

Is it safe to keep birds or poultry as pets, or to come into contact with live birds and poultry here?

All live birds imported are monitored by AVA for infectious diseases including bird flu. The risk of pet birds getting infected is also very low. However, as a precaution, you should keep your birds in a bird-proof enclosure (e.g., cage, hen house or a netted area in your garden) so that they do not come into contact with wild birds. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling your pets.

What are the signs of a chicken that has bird flu?

An infected chicken may show one or more of these symptoms: Sudden death Lack of energy and appetite Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles and legs Purple discolouration of the wattles and combs Nasal discharge Coughing and sneezing Diarrhoea

What if I decide to give up my pet birds or chickens?

You can hand them over to the AVA's Centre for Animal Welfare and Control, to be put down humanely. The hotline is: 1800-476-1600.

Going Overseas

Is it safe to visit countries with cases of bird flu?

WHO has not advised any travel restrictions so far. You will not be quarantined when you return to Singapore. When visiting affected countries, avoid farms and live poultry and birds, and adopt good hygiene practices.

Should I get vaccinated against influenza before I travel?

MOH recommends that those 6 months and older be vaccinated if travelling to temperate countries in the Northern Hemisphere, or if you may be exposed to infected chickens or farms while overseas. This will protect you from getting normal flu and bird flu at the same time, which might cause the virus to mutate and trigger a flu pandemic.

What should I do if I suspect I have bird flu after returning to Singapore?

You should consult your doctor as soon as possible and inform your doctor if you have had contact with live birds or have recently travelled to a country which has cases of bird flu. Alternatively, you could call 993 for a special ambulance service that would take you to the Communicable Disease Centre for further evaluation.