What is influenza A (H1N1) flu?
The new strain of influenza A (H1N1) involved in the current flu outbreak in humans is a reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that are, separately, endemic in humans, endemic in birds and endemic in swine.
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that it has not been isolated in swine. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. Influenza A (H1N1) is not found in any swine or human in Singapore so far. To prevent the outbreak of pandemic, the focus is in prevention of spread from human to human, and human to our animals.
Are there any live pigs in WRS parks?
Yes, we have live pigs in both Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
How many pigs are there in WRS parks?
We have a total of 55 pigs at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. These include babirusa, warthogs, red river hogs and Malayan bearded pigs.
Is it safe to come into contact with live pigs at WRS parks?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. However, proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals including pigs, should be maintained. No visitors are allowed to come into contact with pigs in WRS parks, as the exhibits are fronted by water or dry moats.
Will WRS be closing the exhibits for these animals, especially with the recent case of human to pig transmission in Alberta, Canada?
To date, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. Thus there are no plans to close our exhibits as yet.
The pig population in WRS parks is confined within the parks. Our specimens do not have any contact with other pigs. However, to safeguard out endangered species, WRS parks will confine our babirusa, warthogs and bearded pigs behind the scenes if there is a confirmed outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
In the event of an outbreak in Singapore, will WRS be putting down the pigs?
We would like to assure the public that WRS parks practise strict biosecurity surveillance in consultation with AVA. Our pigs are confined within the parks and our collection; and they do not have any contact with other pigs. The current influenza A (H1N1) infection is spread from human to human, and we will be ensuring that our pigs are properly protected from such transmissions by maintaining our continuous vigilance and sound biosecurity practices.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors?
Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks are in the process of putting up signages to reinforce the need for visitors to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilets and if they have come into contact with any animal. We are working with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to monitor the influenza A (H1N1) situation closely. Hygiene, and the safety of our animals, visitors and staff are of utmost importance to us.
Keepers are also reminding guests to wash their hands after all animal token feeding sessions.
The parks have also increased the frequency of their cleaning schedules for various facilities. This includes wiping down of all rental equipment such as wagons and strollers with a sanitizer every time they are used, instead of just once daily.
In addition, we are also monitoring the condition of our visitors and keepers, and those who show symptoms of coughing, sneezing and other flu-like symptoms will be asked to consult with a doctor immediately.
Are WRS parks taking the temperatures of their guests?
As there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore to date, we do not want to alarm our visitors by adopting such measures at this time. Furthermore, our parks are in open areas so visitors are not restricted to confined spaces.
Will the water play area at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
There are no plans to close the attraction as yet as there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
Will the animal petting section at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) flu in Singapore. We encourage our visitors to practise proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment