SFA-AVS Statement on the Impact of HPAI Detection in a Commercial Poultry Farm in Brazil on Singapore’s Food Supply

Singapore’s Poultry Supply

Singapore does not import poultry or poultry products from the establishment affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Brazil. We also have in place bird flu regionalisation arrangements with Brazil. Under such arrangements, imports from affected establishments and those within a buffer zone may be suspended while those imports from unaffected areas outside the buffer zone can continue.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also works with the industry to accredit new sources of poultry that meet our food safety requirements. While our overall supply of poultry is currently stable, we can expect supply fluctuations from time to time due to disease outbreaks and supply disruptions. For instance, several countries are affected by bird flu outbreaks which affected their poultry production.

 Source diversification remains a key food security strategy for Singapore. Diversification reduces the impact of disruption from any single source as our importers can turn to alternative sources quickly to stabilise our food supply. Other than poultry from Brazil, which is one of our top sources of poultry, Singapore’s poultry supply is also well-diversified with 30 accredited sources. This includes countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Denmark, and Malaysia. If there are supply disruptions from any source, we will work with the industry to increase chilled and frozen chicken supply from other sources if necessary.

 The food industry is encouraged to diversify and import from various sources and take steps to contribute to our resilience by implementing Business Continuity Plans. Consumers are also encouraged to be flexible with their food options in the event of disruption.

 Keeping out bird flu

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board, is also working closely with SFA to stay vigilant and put in place precautionary measures to prevent the incursion of bird flu.

 These measures include horizon scanning for information related to bird flu worldwide and in the region, engagement with overseas authorities, source accreditation and import control for imported poultry and poultry products, inspections and biosurveillance of imported birds at local farms, poultry slaughterhouses, wild birds, and ornamental bird shops. For example, AVS conducts regular checks and sampling of migratory birds to test for bird flu.

 All imported poultry and poultry products, including eggs, must also come from sources accredited by SFA. We suspend import from regions affected by bird flu or only allow products that have been heat treated to inactivate the bird flu virus.

 Public advisory on wild birds and bird flu

While Singapore remains free from bird flu, it is endemic in the region, highlighting the need for Singapore to be vigilant in our biosurveillance and biosecurity programme. People working in close contact with birds are advised to observe good personal hygiene and take necessary measures such as appropriate personal protective equipment when handling them to minimise public health risks.

 As a precaution, members of the public should not touch or feed wild birds, including free-roaming chickens. Veterinarians and bird owners are also reminded to be on the alert for possible bird flu infections in birds. Members of the public can report suspected cases to AVS via our website at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or by calling our Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.