H5N1 In Bukit Merah

I was reading this article in the Star today :

"The H5N1 virus has not infected humans in Perak or other parts of the country, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.

“Humans are still free from bird flu. No cases have been reported in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort or Kampung Changkat Tualang in Perak where the H5N1 virus has been detected,” he said.

“There is no need to worry or panic. Don’t be influenced by rumours. It’s safe to eat chickens and eggs, as long as they are washed and cooked properly.”

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday that tests on dead birds found at Ecopark in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Kerian, and Kampung Changkat Tualang, Kinta district, about 100km away, showed the presence of the H5N1 virus.

The culling of some 38,000 birds has also begun, and compensation will be given to those affected. "

Looks like it's inevitable that the bird flu is going to come to Penang, as a bird can easily fly from Bukit Merah to Penang. Thankfully there are no human cases yet.