SABAH today declared that it is free of bird flu after the first H5N1 infection among local birds in Tuaran was detected in August.

State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Junz Wong said up until December 6, no cases of bird flu were detected. This is more than 90 days after the last case was detected in the district.

“With this, I would like to declare that Sabah is now bird flu free.

“A self-declaration… was also made on December 17 to remove all export prohibitions on local birds, “ he said.

A Avian influenza outbreak was declared on August 3 in Tuaran after a case of H5N1 infection was detected in Kampung Kauluan, Tamparuli.

In total, 34,674 birds were culled, 4,903 eggs destroyed, 125 villages and 313 poultry production premises were monitored, and 91  awareness campaigns were held in 749 villagers.

Wong said the ministry will continue to monitor the situation for new cases. – December 21, 2018.