Moves to stop bird flu spreading
Health officials have stepped up bird flu prevention measures at border areas following reports of H5N1 infection in neighbouring countries.
Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Narong Sahamethapat said winter could heighten the risk of the spread of bird flu as it leads to migratory birds fleeing chilly weather to here. However, there had been no confirmed cases in Thailand.
In addition to the bird migration, Dr Narong said reports of infections in neighbouring countries were likely to increase the risk of bird flu spreading into the Kingdom.
These factors have prompted the Ministry of Public Health to beef up avian flu preventive measures in border areas, as the transport of animals and the entry of alien workers might open a way for the deadly virus to sneak into the country.
Chicken slaughterhouses and sellers have been told to stick to hygienic regulations. They have also been prohibited from selling or butchering sick birds. Meanwhile, the public have been urged to inform health or livestock officials or community leaders of any abnormal death of birds in their neighbourhood as soon as possible, so experts can identify causes of their death and come up with proper safety measures.
