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(Taiwan) Farmers ordered to cage animals as bird flu precaution

AlaskaDenise

In Memoriam
http://english.www.gov.tw/TaiwanHeadlines/index.jsp?categid=10&recordid=102327

All poultry and pig farmers must cage their animals to prevent them from possible contacts with infected migratory birds, said Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), the head of a committee on avian influenza prevention on Monday as a reaction to the recent outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus in South Korea.

The South Korean's agricultural ministry said it has already culled over 81,000 poultry and other animals after a contagious strand of the H5N1 virus was detected near the southern city of Iksan.

The ministry announced on Monday that it will slaughter an additional 96,000 chicken within the 500-mile radius around the outbreak site. By Thursday the ministry plans to complete the culling of about 236,000 chickens and ducks plus 300 pigs and 577 dogs.

"Taiwan has been closely monitoring the avian flu outbreak situations around the world. So far, Taiwan remains a bird flu-free country," Chen emphasized, adding the country is ready to activate its bird-flu prevention mechanisms in order to the keep the virus away from the island as long as possible.

Chen said since migratory birds are one of the easiest pathways for virus transmission, all pig and poultry farmers must cage their animals in order to limit the animals' contacts with infected wild birds.

"The government has already budgeted NT$400 million to help compensate animal farmers to install cages in their farms," he asserted.

Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus. Chen pointed out that although the H5N1 virus is deadly for the birds, it is not easily transmitted to humans. However, when the virus reassorts with the human flu virus, the mutant strand could become deadly to people.

Since pigs are vulnerable to both strands of virus, Chen said, pigs must be closely guarded in order to reduce the chance of virus mutation.

Council of Agricultural Deputy Minister Hu Fu-hsiung said starting January 1, all pig farms must have enough cages for their animals. Violators will face a fine between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000.

Hu said so far, the government will not compensate the farmers for animals slaughtered due to flu, therefore, it is in the best interests of the farmers to install the cages as soon as possible.

Source:Taiwan News(2006/11/28 10:23:15)

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