Why Singaporeans shouldn't panic amidst bird flu scare

The Lion City is still free from the flu.

In a release, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)  said that Singapore is currently free from avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu). They said that they have precautionary measures in place to keep the disease out of Singapore.

In light of recent reports of the influenza A (H7N9) situation in eastern China, AVA has stepped up its monitoring and surveillance.

To ensure food safety, meat and meat products, including live poultry, can only be imported from accredited establishments/farms in approved countries which comply with bio-security requirements.

Only poultry and poultry products from bird flu-free zones are allowed. No poultry from China have been allowed for import since 2004. Only processed poultry products, which have been heattreated to eliminate bird flu virus, are allowed to be imported from accredited establishments in mainland China.

AVA assures the public that poultry and poultry imports sold in Singapore are safe for consumption.