New H5N1 location detected in Tumpat - Veterinary Department

A new location has been detected positive for H5N1 or the bird flu in Tumpat, Kelantan, said the Veterinary Services Department.

In a statement today, the department said this brought the overall number of areas detected positive for the avian flu virus in the state to 36 locations currently involving 51 premises.

According to the department, the H5N1 outbreak was still under control as the new location detected in Tumpat was being categorised as the "infected zone".

"The situation is under control and limited only to detected areas involving free-range chickens from small time breeders," the department said, adding that there was no infection cases involving humans.

The outbreak is now being controlled within a 30-km radius from Kampung Pulau Tebu involving six districts (Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Tumpat, Tanah Merah and Bachok).

Meanwhile, the department said until yesterday, the culling of birds' exercise had been completed in 29 locations in the state and the operations were still ongoing at other places.

"A total of 55,343 birds had been culled and 16,693 eggs were disposed," said the department.

-- BERNAMA