No proof of bird flu in chicken deaths, says Sabah minister

Junz Wong says tests will be done to determine the actual cause.

Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Junz Wong says weather and the age of the chickens could be contributing factors. (Facebook pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Junz Wong has dismissed claims that chickens in poultry farms in the state are dying due to bird flu infections.

A team from the state Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) carried out an investigation following information that large quantities of chickens were found dead at a farm in Tamparuli near here.

“Based on initial investigations, the DVS found out that the Foh Lim farm in Tamparuli experienced quite a high mortality rate for their chickens, supposedly due to weather and old age,” he said.

He said there was no proof to back allegations spread through WhatsApp that the chickens had died because of the deadly bird flu virus.

“There is no sign or indication (of bird flu) as these allegations are just speculation.

“However, tests are being carried out on the chicken carcasses to find out the cause of death,” he told FMT.

A WhatsApp text message had been making its rounds today, claiming several chicken farms in Sabah have been suffering from a bird flu attack.

It was also alleged in the message that the chickens in the farms died within two days and that three farms in Tamparuli had been affected. -FMT