Bird Flu Update
Singapore is free from bird flu. Business and social activities here continue as normal and Singapore remains a safe country to visit. With the recent incidences of bird flu in the region and warnings of an impending pandemic by experts, Singapore, like most countries world-wide, has strengthened its defences against the disease. Dr David Nabarro, Chief UN coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, has said that “Singapore is well-prepared” to face this threat in an article in the Straits Times on 29 October.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore has put together a contingency plan to deal with any outbreak of bird flu in local poultry farms. 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 urban and wild bird populations, including migratory birds at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Attractions like the Jurong BirdPark and Singapore Zoo have also taken additional precautions to prevent the introduction of bird flu in their premises.  So far, no bird flu virus has been detected.

Singapore, widely recognized for its high standard of public health and hygiene, has put in place a flu pandemic preparedness and response plan, which will enable the country to respond swiftly and activate public health measures to protect the health of Singapore residents and visitors.

In addition, Singapore continues to work closely with other countries in the region and elsewhere, and with the relevant world health authorities to monitor and share information on any outbreak of the disease. Every effort is made to ensure that Singapore is safe from bird flu, including constant reminders to the public on practicing good personal hygiene and exercising responsible social behaviour. This is to ensure that Singapore minimises the risk of bird flu infection within its shores, and that Singapore remains a safe destination to visit.

For more information and updates, visit www.moh.gov.sg, www.ava.gov.sg and www.who.int