In 2004, the Singapore Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority purchased chickens and ducks from Pulau Ubin residents to prevent bird flu, but many residents violated the regulation by raising more than the allowed amount. Despite this, the authorities decided not to confiscate the excess poultry and purchased it from the residents in cash. In 2005, the AVA banned islanders from raising poultry and prohibited the import and export of live poultry in and out of Pulau Ubin.