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Bracing for
the culling of pet birds |
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BIRD lovers staying near Taman Lapangan Perdana in Ipoh are keeping an open mind about the possibility of having their pets culled following the discovery of three bird flu cases in Perak on Tuesday. They are preparing for the worst after one of two dead cattle egrets found at the housing estate tested positive for the H5N1 virus. Majid Mat Sudi, who lives within the 10km radius of the housing estate, said he was prepared to forgo his 12 merbok and terkukur birds should they have to be culled. “Although we love our pets, we have to allow this to happen to contain the deadly virus from spreading further,” said the 46-year-old Taman Lapangan Jaya resident, who, like several of his fellow residents, keeps caged birds at their homes. Student Mohd Fitri Alis from Kampung Changkat Tua-lang, Gopeng, is also feeling apprehensive that the health authorities may take his three beloved pet cuckoo-doves (burung terkukur) away following the bird flu outbreak in his village. |
Before taking his breakfast, the 17-year-old will first make sure that his birds get their food. “I think my favourite bird, Che Me, even knows something is wrong,” said Mohd Fitri, who bought them from a pet shop in Ipoh for RM5 each three months ago. “It does not seem to be itself lately and its feathers are more dishevelled than ever.” Mohd Fitri said that a man had once offered RM300 to buy each of his birds but he turned it down. “The birds make lovely sounds when they sing. I love them so much that I do not have the heart to sell them. But now, I may have to surrender them any time,” he added. State veterinary officer Dr Wan Mohd Kamil Wan Nik has assured residents at Taman Lapangan Perdana and nearby areas that culling would not be carried out as yet. “We have not found out where the cattle egrets originated from. The birds could have just been flying over the area when they dropped dead,” he said. |
Meanwhile, state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan is appealing to poultry and bird owners to keep their children away from them. “I am especially worried about those living in rural areas where a lot of free range chickens are reared. “Villagers are very attached to them. They not only touch and play with the chickens but also sleep with them. “They are endangering their lives with such close contact with the chickens,” he said during a visit to Kampung Changkat Legong earlier.
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