February 16, 2004

Thai Delegation To Convince Japan On Chicken Safety

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Somkid Jatusripitak, will be making a trip to Japan in an attempt to revive the chicken trade between the two countries.

Japan, the largest importer of Thai chicken and chicken products, banned chicken imports from Thailand on fears of bird flu. The bird flu virus was confirmed in Thailand Jan. 23 and has killed six people in the country and forced authorities to cull more than 26 million birds.

"We will update Japan on what we have done (to eliminate the bird flu virus)...and to return the chicken trade to normal," Somkid said.

Japan said Thursday that it is prepared to resume imports of heat-treated chicken products from Thailand if the Thai processing plants meet Japanese hygiene standards.

Somkid said Japanese officials will investigate chicken processing plants in Thailand Thursday before deciding whether to lift the ban.

Somkid also said the government will announce results later Monday from the second round of bird flu testing. He said a third round of testing could be performed if needed.