# 893
After more than a week of poultry deaths across 4 states, and at least 22 people hospitalized (and released) for suspected H5N1 infection, the Malaysian government now says it wasn't bird flu.
Curiously, they don't seem to be offering any other explanation.
Bird flu watch:‘Chickens didn’t die of flu’
KUALA LUMPUR, Fri:
Bird flu is not the cause of death of chickens in four states.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the deaths reported at Kampung Padang (Alor Star), Seberang Takir (Kuala Terengganu), PKNS Flats in Datuk Keramat (Kuala Lumpur) and Kampung Seri Pajar (Kuantan) tested negative for the killer H5N1 virus.
Chua said the operation to detect bird flu cases at Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir in Sungai Buloh has been called off because of the absence of new cases.
"However, monitoring of the health conditions of the personnel involved in the prevention and control measures will continue for two weeks," he said in a statement.
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said 22 patients who were admitted to hospitals with bird flu symptoms have been declared free from the virus.
He said an 11-year-old boy in Sungai Buloh and two brothers in Kuantan were also verified clear from the H5N1 virus.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Veterinary Services Department will come out with a comprehensive action plan on poultry farming.
This involved streamlining guidelines between federal and state governments to prevent bird flu outbreaks.
He said the plan would be discussed at the menteris besar and chief ministers conference for approval.
"This action plan does not just cover contingency measures if there is another outbreak but will also include all types of actions on how to avoid its spread," he said at a press conference after attending a dialogue session with participants of the National Feedlot Programme here yesterday.
