S'pore does not import poultry from affected farms in Brazil, supply of poultry currently stable: AVS & SFA

Singapore currently does not import poultry or poultry products from establishments affected by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, that is sweeping through Brazil, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement.

The country's overall supply of poultry is currently stable as well. However, Singaporeans can expect to encounter poultry supply fluctuations from time to time whenever there is a disease outbreak or supply disruption.

Singapore has over 30 accredited sources for poultry

The AVS and SFA jointly put out a statement on May 19, assuring the public that the government has in place measures that work towards reducing the impact of supply disruptions.

Both agencies explained that the Singapore government has bird flu regionalisation arrangements with Brazil:

"Under such arrangements, in response to food safety concerns, imports from affected establishments and those within a buffer zone may be suspended while those imports from unaffected areas outside the buffer zone can continue."

SFA also works with the industry to accredit new sources of poultry that meet Singapore's food safety requirements.

Source diversification is a key strategy that Singapore employs in ensuring food security.

"Diversification reduces the impact of disruption from any single source as our importers can turn to alternative sources quickly to stabilise our food supply," said the agencies.

Aside from Brazil, which is one of Singapore's top sources of poultry, the country has another 30 accredited sources that importers can turn to.

These sources include Indonesia, Thailand, Denmark, and Malaysia.

"If there are supply disruptions from any source, we will work with the industry to increase chilled and frozen chicken supply from other sources if necessary," said the AVS and SFA.

Precautionary measures to prevent bird flu from entering

Meanwhile, the AVS works closely with the SFA to prevent the incursion of the bird flu into Singapore.

The precautionary measures include:

1. Horizon scanning for information related to bird flu worldwide and in the region
2. Engagement with overseas authorities
3. Source accreditation and import control for imported poultry and poultry products,
4. Inspections and biosurveillance of imported birds at local farms, poultry slaughterhouses, wild birds, and ornamental bird shops (for example, AVS conducts regular checks and sampling of migratory birds to test for bird flu.)

"All imported poultry and poultry products, including eggs, must also come from sources accredited by SFA," said the agencies.

"We suspend import from regions affected by bird flu or only allow products that have been heat-treated to inactivate the bird flu virus."

Singaporeans advised to be vigilant

Lastly, with bird flu being endemic to the region, the AVS and SFA advised Singaporeans to be vigilant, especially if they come into regular contact with birds, so as to minimise public health risks.

People working in close contact with birds are advised to observe good personal hygiene and wear personal protective equipment when handling them.

Members of the public should not touch or feed wild birds, including free-roaming chickens.

Veterinarians and bird owners should be on the alert for possible bird flu infections in birds.

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