Safeguards to Protect Workers Dealing with Birds Against H5N1 Avian Flu

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development whether there are any safeguards imposed by NParks on its licensed contractors to ensure that their workers who are dealing with birds, are protected from the H5N1 avian flu.

The National Parks Board's (NParks) contractors are required to take necessary precautionary measures when working in close contact with birds. These measures include, wearing protective equipment, such as disposable gloves and masks, and the double bagging of carcasses in biohazard bags before disposal. Contractors are also required to wash their hands thoroughly and disinfect or dispose of equipment to prevent cross contamination. To further mitigate the risks of disease transmission, animal rescue services have implemented vaccination policies for their workers. To date, there are no confirmed human or animal cases of Avian influenza, including influenza A (H5N1), in Singapore.