Singapore remains free of bird flu
Singapore is free from bird flu, but like most countries worldwide, it has strengthened its defences against bird flu as the disease continues its spread.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has a contingency plan to deal with any outbreak of bird flu in the poultry farms here. Slaughter of poultry is only done within poultry slaughterhouses under stringent conditions.  In addition, the AVA has taken precautionary measures to prevent the importation of infected birds into Singapore.  It also has an ongoing surveillance programme to look out for the bird flu virus in the urban and wild bird populations.  So far, no bird flu virus has been detected.

Singapore also works closely with other countries in the region and elsewhere and with the relevant world health authorities to monitor and share outbreak information. Its laboratory surveillance of influenza viruses and information technology systems can rapidly detect, analyse and monitor cases of infectious diseases of concern.

In addition to the above measures, AVA has also stepped up vigilance in inspections at Tuas Checkpoint where live poultry and eggs are entering Singapore. AVA has also enhanced vigilance during inspections carried out at our poultry slaughterhouses. These layers of checks will help to minimize the risks of infected poultry consignments entering Singapore undetected.

Further information and updates can be obtained from the following Singapore Government websites: www.flu.gov.sg, www.moh.gov.sg and www.ava.gov.sg. You may also wish to visit the WHO website at www.who.int.