January 14, 2005

Thailand Avian Risk Remains High

Another bird flu outbreak in Thailand remains high after new human infections were confirmed in the neighboring Vietnam and Cambodia, the Public Health Ministry has warned.

Health authorities would stay on alert since the disease might be rekindled in Thailand, spokesman Nittaya Chanruang Mahabhol was quoted as saying on Friday.

Nittaya said health and livestock authorities would conduct stringent surveillance measures to guard against the reoccurrence of the epidemic, which killed 12 people in the kingdom last year.

No humans in Thailand are reported to have been infected since last October.

Antiviral medicines and medical supplies are stockpiled for immediate treatment until February in case human infection reoccurs, said Nittaya.

Supamit Chunsuthiwat, of the Epidemiology Bureau, said health officials would propose a policy to bring bird flu under control within three years.

A plan for vaccine development for poultry and humans would be undertaken after the implementation of the policy, he said.