"In light of countries in Asia and Europe reporting influenza A/H5N1 outbreaks among poultry, MOH wishes to remind travellers to areas affected by avian influenza to avoid contact with poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, and wild birds," the ministry said.

"Places such as commercial or backyard poultry farms and markets selling live birds should be avoided," it said in a statement on its website.

"In addition, travellers should avoid handling or eating raw or undercooked poultry or foods containing uncooked poultry, including eggs... Travellers are also advised to seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms i.e. fever, body aches, sore throat, cough and runny nose."

The ministry, however, said it was not necessary for travellers to take the anti-viral drugs Tamiflu or Relenza to protect themselves.

"Human infections are rare and this remains primarily a disease affecting birds. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission," it said.

The ministry cautioned against "indiscriminate use of anti-viral drugs", saying this may lead to increased resistance of avian influenza viruses to the medication.

A deadly strain of the bird flu virus, the H5N1, has killed more than 60 people in Asia since late 2003.

The disease has now reached birds in Europe.

Scientists fear the current H5N1 strain may mutate, acquiring genes from the human influenza virus that would make it highly infectious. The WHO believes a pandemic could kill millions worldwide.

Separately, the ministry urged persons vulnerable to influenza in general, including the elderly and those with chronic heart and lung diseases, to get vaccinated as part of precautionary measures.

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