Thailand tightens hygiene checks on poultry farms

Executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have visited poultry farms in Bangkok to check hygiene and ensure safety of poultry consumption during the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Deputy Bangkok Governor, MD Malinee Sukavejworakit, said sanitation was necessary in poultry farms although the bird flu situation was currently not a concern.

The Department of Livestock Development will conduct random swab tests with chickens to make sure that they were not infected by bird flu and small pox. Checked poultry farms will receive stickers from the department to certify their qualities. In 2011, the department will individually tie identification bands around the legs of chickens.

MD Malinee added that poultry distributors were also advised to conduct sanitary measures such as washing their hands frequently. Another measure requires butchers to set up their shop above the ground by at least 60 centimetres.

She added that slaughterhouses operations would be inspected, and advices will be given to owners and workers in slaughterhouses.