January 12, 2005

Cambodia Bans Poultry From Thailand, Vietnam
 

The Cambodian government has announced that it will ban the import of poultry and poultry products from Vietnam and Thailand as avian influenza continues to kill people in the two countries, local media reported on Wednesday.

The ban, issued in a directive to agriculture officials on December 31, warned officials to be extra careful when examining livestock and related products.

Kao Phal, director of the animal health and production department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was quoted as saying that the ban will help ensure the disease doesn't spread to Cambodia.

The Director said the ban will remain in effect until Vietnam and Thailand announce they are free of the disease and the World Organization for Animal Health confirms it.

According to the report, the bird flu again occurred recently in Vietnam and Thailand, which has killed more than 20 people in Vietnam and 12 people in Thailand over the past year.

While an outbreak of bird flu was found in Kandal province last September, Cambodia has yet to confirm any new cases of the deadly disease inside the country, Kao Phal said.