Three birds found with H5N1 virus in Perak
 The Star, 22 Mar 2006

GOPENG: The three cases of bird flu detected in Perak yesterday were the latest in a series of outbreaks since the first was discovered in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, last month. 

Swab samples taken from live birds in Kampung Changkat Legong near Gopeng tested positive for the deadly H5N1 virus.  

“Two free range chickens in the village were found infected following random testing within the 10km radius of Kampung Changkat Tualang where avian flu was first detected in the state,” Perak Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan told newsmen at Kampung Changkat Legong yesterday. 

The virus was also found in six samples of broiler chicken within the Titi Gantung Agriculture Training Institute in Bota, and in samples taken from dead burung gembala kerbau (cattle egret) in Taman Lapangan Perdana in Ipoh. 

“One of the two dead cattle egrets, which were discovered by Taman Lapangan Perdana residents, tested positive for the H5N1 virus. 

“The state Veterinary Services Department is still investigating the origins of the dead birds,” he said, adding that all test results were released on Monday night. 

Results of random tests conducted on birds and poultry in other parts within the 10km radius of Kampung Changkat Tualang since last week had yet to come back, he added. 

Kampung Changkat Legong village head Othman Isa said there had been no report of sick chickens from the 300 villagers. 

“If not for the test results, we would not have known that our chickens had been infected. They look so lively and strong,” he said hours before the culling exercise of 1,500 free-range chickens at the village. 

At the Titi Gantung Agriculture Training Institute, veterinary officers culled 1,000 poultry and 800 quails. 

In Ipoh, state veterinary officer Dr Wan Mohd Kamil Wan Nik said culling would not be carried out at Taman Lapangan Perdana as the origin of the dead egrets could not be determined. 

He urged pet owners and those who rear poultry within their compounds to alert the authorities (Tel: 05-546 1322) of any dead or sick animals. 

In Butterworth, the health authorities are monitoring areas within a 10km radius of Permatang Bogak in northern Seberang Perai. 

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar said the areas included Kepala Batas, Bumbung Lima, Tasek Gelugor, Pongsu Seribu, Teluk Air Tawar, Penaga, Bagan Ajam, and Sungai Dua.