Tight controls on movement of germs, toxins
The Public Health Ministry will strictly control the import of animal pathogens and toxins by government agencies in a bid to boost national security.
A pathogen is a micro-organism – such as a virus, bacteriumor fungus – that can cause serious disease.
Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said his agency would improve standards for trans-boundary movement of animal pathogens and toxins.
Currently, trans-boundary movement of pathogens is controlled by the Animal Pathogen and Toxin Act, but there is no regulation to force government agencies to seek permission or report this activity to the ministry.
“This is a legal loophole which is very dangerous,” Pradit said. He was speaking at a seminar titled “The Trans-boundary Movement of Animal Pathogens and Toxins” held by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS).
He said so far there had been no reports about the smuggling of pathogens and toxins into the Kingdom.
DMS director-general Dr Niphon Phophatthanachai said his department would raise awareness among related agencies about law enforcement to control trans-boundary movement and storage of pathogens and toxins.