UAE | Health
Domestic poultry faces risk from virus
Prevention of infection of domestic poultry is most important in averting a bird flu outbreak in the UAE, warns a regional bird expert, who also advises the public to be vigilant.
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:37 May 3, 2009
- All poultry birds in farms are reported to be in good health in the UAE, says official.
- Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
Dubai: Prevention of infection of domestic poultry is most important in averting a bird flu outbreak in the UAE, warns a regional bird expert.
Peter Hellyer, ornithologist and member of the Emirates Bird Records Committee, told Gulf News that authorities and the public should exercise utmost vigilance in ensuring imported birds were healthy.
"It is believed that the source of potential infection arises from domestic poultry, by bringing in infected poultry and mixing them with domestic poultry, he said.
He added that wild birds were unlikely culprits in spreading bird flu in domestic birds and poultry as "they will die before they get very far". So far, there is little evidence that the domestic poultry has been compromised.
Certificates mandatory
Dr Hussain Hassanain, technical secretary for the Emirates Poultry Association, told Gulf News that the group has not received any reports of sick chickens.
"All poultry in farms are reported to be in good health in the UAE. But in the case of backyard chicken farming, that will be up to the committee for bird flu to take action," he added.
The committee made health certificates mandatory for live poultry and birds imported into the country. Pet birds and exotic birds also need a Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) before entering the country.
Share this article
Related Articles
-
UAE geared to block bird flu
UAE is fully geared to block deadly bird flu virus, says minister
-
Kuwait confirms 20 cases of bird flu
Kuwait confirms it has discovered 20 cases of H5N1 bird flu
More from UAE Health
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Girl dies in fire started by stepbrother
- A road that is best avoided
- Dubai to introduce 900km of cycling lanes
- Motorists, pedestrians urged to be more careful
- Security services work round-the-clock
- Tougher policing brings down Dubai road fatalities
- 'I want to show anyone can celebrate'
- Dubai to open seven new parks
- UAE National Day: Preparations in full swing
- Universities celebrate UAE National Day
- Brothers' triple success
- Reviving age-old craftsmanship
- Youth reconnect with history
- Fatima: UAE's women are exercising full rights
- Emirates Palace gears up for festivities
Community Reports
-
A road that is best avoided
Thoroughfare connecting capital's Hamdan Street and Electra Street poses safety and health hazards
-
Please don't use two parking spaces
Thoughtless drivers means other motorists are losing out in a city where places to leave cars are often hard to find
-
School buses must do safe drop-offs
Some bus drivers let students off at the wrong side of the road
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
