PASIR MAS: The authorities will continue to conduct checks and roadblocks in the state as precaution against the H5N1 virus, in spite of there being no new cases of the avian flu in Kelantan since last week.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the Veterinary Department, the police and other relevant agencies will continue to carry out checks from time to time to prevent the virus from spreading.

“Our country’s good name must be well taken care of and therefore, intensified checks on fowl will be carried out regularly. (We will be monitoring not just the safety and quality of poultry), but also cleanliness.

“Therefore, the authorities, especially the Veterinary Services Department (VSD), will immediately destroy fowl found infected with the virus,” he told reporters after launching the ‘Negaraku Prihatin’ programme near Meranti here today.

Shabery also clarified that there is no requirement for owners of ayam serama, or other birds raised as pets, to register with the VSD as a precaution against the flu. – New Straits Times