Migratory birds free of bird flu
The Star, 24 Feb 2006

KOTA KINABALU: Migratory birds tested in Sabah and Labuan showed no signs of the deadly H5N1 virus. 

“So far, our random test of migratory birds have shown that the birds are not carrying the virus,” said Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail. 

He said teams from the Veterinary Department were continuing to monitor and carry out tests on migratory birds, mainly egrets and cranes. 

“We check the droppings of the birds as well as conduct tests on any bird that has died. So far our teams have yet to detect the deadly strain,” he added. 

Rahim said tests were also carried out on local chicken, including the free-range birds and those seized at various entry points. 

“All tests have come up negative,” he said. 

Sabah, he said, had banned the import of chicken and poultry products from Peninsular Malaysia and other countries. 

“We are self-sufficient and will be able to meet local demand,” he added.