KL confirms virus to be H5N1 subtype
Tests by the Malaysian Veterinary Research Institute has confirmed that the H5N1 strain of avian flu affecting the area in Genting Klang in a Kuala Lumpur is a subtype of the one found in Indonesia.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said a "reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction" was carried to determine the DNA sequencing of the virus detected in chicken and fowl in the area. "We confirmed that the virus is a subtype of the one affecting free range chicken in Indonesia," he said. However, Muhyiddin declined to speculate if the virus had been brought into the country through smuggled chicken or fowl smuggled in from Indonesia. "Our policy is that the government has banned any importation of chicken or other fowls from countries affected by the H5N1 strain of avian flu," he pointed out. There are squatter areas around Jalan Genting Klang and the vicinity is known to harbour illegal immigrants.
The Star Asia News Network PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia
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