Brunei Takes Measures Against Deadly Bird Flu Virus
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - As the outbreak of bird flu is ravaging Asian nations, Brunei's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has assured the public that the Sultanate is free from the avian flu and the government is taking appropriate measures to prevent an outbreak in the country.

As a precautionary measure, the Agriculture Department has heightened the animal quarantine regulation in an effort to prevent the possibility of such a disease affecting poultry farming in the country.

The Ministry of Health has undertaken surveillance measures to detect the occurrence of bird flu in the country and praise to Allah, so far no bird flu cases have been detected in Brunei.

This was stated in a joint press conference yesterday by Dr. Hjh Kalsom bte Abd Latif, Director of Health Services, and Awg Jumat bin Hj Alim, Acting Director of Agriculture.

Brunei does not import live poultry and frozen chicken from abroad as the country is now self-sufficient. But as a precautionary measure, the ban on import of chicken products takes effect immediately from affected countries.

As an additional measure, the Agriculture Department and the Department of Health Services will conduct a series of briefings for poultry farmers and staff at slaughter houses throughout the country to enhance their awareness and knowledge on self-cleanliness, keeping their farms and surroundings clean as well as to ensure that they follow good poultry practices.

Avian flu that afflicts chicken, ducks and birds can spread to people if they are exposed to poultry at affected farms. There is no evidence till date that the deadly H5N1 virus is transmitted between humans.

Currently, there is no ban on travel to countries affected by the avian flu. However, members of the public who wish to visit affected countries are advised not to visit farms and markets selling live poultry. This is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) advisory.

The public has been advised to follow good hygienic practices and to keep the environment clean. They have also been advised to wash their hands after handling birds and to cook chicken products adequately before consumption at a temperature reaching at least 70 degrees Celsius.

The Ministry of Health said that it keeps in constant touch with WHO to receive information on latest developments and any guidelines to be followed against the disease.

The Department of Health Services and Agriculture Department will continue to communicate with relevant agencies from neighbouring countries and step up surveillance to prevent the spread of the deadly virus into the country.

The public could contact the ministries to get further information by calling 2380340/2380144 ext 332 (for Agriculture Department) and 2382023 (Health Services Department). -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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