Thai PM orders strict surveillance on H3N8 bird flu to prevent disease import to Thailand

PHOTO: Prachathai

Bangkok –

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha today, May 1st, ordered the relevant authorities to prevent H3N8 bird flu import to Thailand after the first human case was discovered in China last week.

Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told the Associated Press that the Prime Minister closely monitored the situation of the H3N8 bird flu in China and ordered the relevant agencies to prepare and prevent avian influenza into Thailand.

Initially, the National Health Commission Office assessed that the virus’ capability of infecting humans is at a low level and the risk of the epidemic remains in a narrow range.

Thailand has had no reports of bird flu for more than 14 years, according to the data from the Department of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control. The most recent report was about 25 cases between 2004 and 2006 and no confirmed cases were reported since.

PHOTO: Bangkokbiznews

According to the Department of Livestock Development, a rehearsal meeting to prepare and prevent the spread of H3N8 bird flu at the department and provincial government is staged. Authorities are closely inspecting poultry farmers, conducting strict surveillance for animal diseases along the Thai border, collecting poultry samples in risk areas such as the border areas, bird migration, nesting areas, and dense poultry farming areas.

“The relocation of animals and poultry carcasses within the country had always been strictly conducted as well as the delay of the importation from countries where avian influenza occurred. Poultry farms in Thailand are urged to clean the farm and its surrounding area at least once a week to control and prevent the occurrence of the flu,” the spokesperson added.

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.