BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health has instructed all provinces to closely monitor any signs of bird flu during the winter season, and warned the public to avoid contact with any birds that appear sickly.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn said the latest data from the World Health Organization showed the continuous transmission of avian flu in various countries, both in people and birds. Some countries have been on alert for the infectious disease and have set up infrared scanners at airports and border crossings after a number of related deaths.
Thailand has followed suit, given that the current weather is ideal for the spread of avian flu. Public Health Offices, as well as offices for the Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services, have been ordered to monitor the situation in their respective provinces. Related officials are to keep careful travel records of people and animals entering the region, as well as any clinical samples for subsequent lab testing.
Local officials have also been ordered to look out for suspicious changes in the rate of death or disease in birds, as well as conduct an awareness campaign to ensure cooperation from the public.
In the event of a rise in bird deaths, members of the public have been urged to contact the authorities, so they can conduct lab testing to confirm the cause of death. When consuming bird meat, people are encouraged to ensure the meal has been thoroughly cooked, while taking care to maintain proper hygeine. Those in the poultry industry are prohibited from selling birds that are sick or died under suspicious circumstances.
For question or comments, please contact the 24-hour hotline 1422.
