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We call on the Government to adopt a more open attitude and to provide up-to-date information, so that Malaysians can prevent bird flu effectively   Press Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Seremban, Tuesday): Bird flu is a form of influenza virus that infects birds especially domestic poultry. Now, millions of chicken have been culled and seven people have died, six in Vietnam and one in Thailand. Dato’ Seri Abdullah has visited Vietnam. He says that the Government is cooperating with Thailand and other affected countries in preventing the spread of the disease. We hope that poultry farmers take the precautions and that the above-stated cooperation is effective.   In 1997, Hong Kong reported bird flu. In 2003, Holland had bird flu epidemic including human cases. Today, the virus inflicts Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, Pakistan and Taiwan. Millions of chicken perish.   50 to 100% of infected birds die. The virus spreads through saliva, faeces and nasal secretions. Hitherto, it is not known whether it can spread from a human to another.   Bird and human flu virus mutates. The existing vaccines do not work on mutants. Anti-viral drugs such as Amantidine and Rimantidine may not work. Apart from directing poultry farmers to take precautions and imposing total ban on import of birds from affected countries, the Veterinary Department and Infectious Disease Department must improve their coordination, being more transparent in stopping the epidemic from entering this country including current information and clear instructions on how the people can prevent the disease. (27/1/2004) * Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong