Bird Flu Center

A national plan is on the table in Brunei, as his Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, stressed recently. A joint networking and firm understanding on all government levels is important in the country’s national effort against a possible influenza pandemic. His Royal Highness, made a visit to Tutong Hospital, chairing the third national committee meeting discussing a possible bird flu pandemic threat. The meeting was supposed to update the information on the issue, as 229 infections had been documented worldwide, up until July 12th, while 131 people had died from the disease.

The meeting noted the Ministry of Health’s plan of action that covers table top exercise, a review of the plan following a visit by WHO in the country and sharing of information and latest news from Apec and Asean meetings attended by government officials. A simulation exercise named “Serama Operation 2″ was carried out in April this year at a chicken farm in Tutong and was designed to test the effectiveness of preparation methods taken in Brunei. Close monitoring and surveillance on birds continues across the country, with a special focus on backyard farms, wild birds and commercial farms. So far, no infections of the feared virus have been found in the country.