Precautionary measures undertaken for Bird Flu

Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which operates Singapore Zoo, Jurong BirdPark and Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark, works closely with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) on the precautionary measures against bird flu. Our animals, visitors and employees’ safety are is of paramount importance to us and we will do all that is necessary to ensure their well-being.

Stringent bio-security measures which have been implemented at the parks and these include:

• Vaccinating all birds that are exposed to the public and free ranged.
  
• Providing disinfectant foot dips and for keepers and disinfectant mats for visitors entering walk-in exhibits.
  
• Conducting periodic bird-flu drills for staff.
  
• Training Staff to monitor ing the birds daily for symptoms of illness and unusual trends in bird deaths are reported and investigated.
  
• Placing sentinel chickens (provided by AVA) at strategic locations around the parks to monitor and detect for the presence of any diseases.
  
• Giving flu injections to staff.

To date, there have been no known cases of bird flu in any of the parks, or in the country for that matter.

Nonetheless, we have various levels of preparedness and are prepared to respon d. se and together with the AVA, w We will continue to monitor the situation in our parks and the region and if need be, activate our emergency plan accordingly together with the AVA.

Dr Ho Yew Kee, Executive Director, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

22 February 2006