Members of the public should not touch or feed wild birds, including free-roaming chickens, the Animal Veterinary Services (AVS), which is a cluster of National Parks Board (NParks), and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint bird flu advisory on Jun. 5, 2024.

This is to prevent the incursion of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), which is a type of avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu”, that causes severe disease and high mortalities in poultry.

To date, there are no human or animal cases of HPAI H5N1 in Singapore, but authorities here have cautioned against contact with the avian creatures.

To mitigate the risk of HPAI in Singapore, the authorities are carrying out checks on imported poultry and biosurveillance of imported birds at local farms, poultry slaughterhouses, wild birds, and ornamental bird shops.

AVS conducts regular checks and sampling of migratory birds to test for HPAI.

This is on top of horizon scanning for information related to HPAI worldwide and in the region, engagement with overseas authorities, source accreditation and import control for imported poultry and poultry products.

Advisory on wild birds

As bird flu is endemic to the region, there is a need for precautionary measures.

Those working in close contact with birds are advised to observe good hygiene practices and to use personal protective equipment.

Veterinarians and bird owners are encouraged to keep an eye out for signs of HPAI infections in birds.

Members of the public can also report suspected cases of HPAI infection to AVS via their website or by calling their Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

Checks on imported poultry

SFA noted that it works with the industry to accredit new sources of poultry that meet local food safety requirements.

In 2023, 30 countries and regions are allowed to export poultry to Singapore.

While Singapore's poultry supply is stable, there is always the possibility of supply disruptions and disease outbreaks, such as bird flu, the statement said.

For instance, back in December 2023, SFA suspended poultry imports from various countries due to a bird flu outbreak, CNA reported.

The food industry is advised to to diversify its food sources and implement measures to ensure business continuity in the event of supply disruptions.

Consumers are also encouraged to "be flexible with their food options in the event of disruption", the statement said.

Top photo from VT.