Brunei Safe From Bird Flu Government Says Again

Bandar Seri Begawan – Ministry of Health and the Agriculture Department assure the public that appropriate steps are being taken to monitor the outbreak of Bird flu, and to prevent the spread of the disease in Brunei.

The measures are being stepped up following the outbreak of the, disease that have infected humans in Vietnam and Thailand.

While the outbreak spread many countries in the region, both ministries wish to reassure the public that to date, there have been no reported cases of Bird flu within the country.

Officers said Brunei Darussalam no longer import live poultry or frozen chicken meat because locally produced chickens are sufficient to meet demands.

As an additional measure, the Agricultural Department and the Health Services Department will hold a series of briefings for farmers and abattoir operators, to increase awareness of the disease.

Bird flu or avian flu is not uncommon among poultry but can be transmitted, to humans.

Currently, there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted from one infected person to another.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not, at present, recommend any restrictions on travel to any country currently experiencing outbreaks of Bird flu.

However it is recommended that travellers to these areas avoid contact with live animals and poultry farms.

The public are advised to observe good hygiene practices and make sure that all poultry products are cooked adequately before consumption.

As added measures, members of the public are advised to observe personal hygiene always especially among duck and chicken farmers.

They are advised to wash their hands carefully after being in close contact with the birds.

It is also suggested that all chicken products should be cooked, at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile the Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) wishes to assure its passengers that it has stringent control systems in place to ensure its in-flight meals are safe for consumption at all times.

Most RBA's caterers at overseas stations are part of a global operation and are therefore subject to their own strict hygiene policies as well as those of the government of the country from which they operate.

This includes their own laboratories that conduct a daily inspection of all raw and cooked foods, and their equipment. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei 

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