Brunei Free Of Bird Flu Says Govt
By Hadi DP Mahmud

Bandar Seri Begawan - Following a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) update on the global avian influenza situation, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources have assured that Brunei is unaffected by the pandemic.

Eleven countries in Asia and Europe have been affected with avian flu, a media release from the health ministry said. The WHO reported that up to February 3, there have been 271 avian flu cases, with 165 deaths around the world.

The two ministries have assured of continuous supervision and monitoring of the pandemic situation, with preventive steps being undertaken to ensure that no outbreak occurs in the sultanate.

Members of the public are advised to practice frequent personal hygiene and their surroundings, especially those who breed and raise chicken, ducks and other species of birds. Those who have direct contact with livestock and chicken products have been recommended to wash their hands with clean water at temperatures of at least 70 degrees Celsius. Humans may get infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza through direct contact with infected birds. However, at present there is no evidence that shows the possibility of human-to-human infection.

The agriculture department is continuously carrying out preventive campaigns through a `Dissemination of Information and Public Awareness Campaign' and active monitoring and surveillance of the commercial farms, private homes, wild birds and tighter control at all entry points in Brunei.

All commercial poultry farms, pet shops and homes (backyard) that are registered with the agriculture department have been inspected. Laboratory test results have shown negative presence of the H5N1 virus in the animals. Lectures and counselling, in particular `Good Animal Husbandry Practice' are provided to farmers and poultry farm entrepreneurs. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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