March 12, 2004

No Japanese Ban On Thai Processed Chicken Despite New Bird Flu Case

Thailand's Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob said that the new bird flu case in the north of the country is unlikely to cause Japan to reinstate its poultry ban and halt its purchases of heat-treated Thai chicken.

Newin added that there is no cause for futher panic as the situation has been contained and is under control.

"Things should have been settled now. We have already ordered the culling and livestock officials are closely monitoring the situation," Newin said.

Bird flu may have reappeared in Nakhon Ratchasima and Maha Sarakham, and has been verified as reappearing in Chiang Rai.

Yesterday, a farmer in Chiang Mai's Muang district reported the deaths of 200 chickens and ducks at his farm.

Livestock officials took samples of the birds to determine the cause of death. "We should know the results next week," provincial livestock chief Thira Anantiworapanya said.

The farmer's remaining flock was culled.

Thailand declared itself free of bird flu on Monday, saying no active cases had been reported in poultry since February 25.

Agriculture Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said the government has already paid more than Bt37.6 million to farmers who had to destroy their fowl.

About 6,200 farmers in Chiang Rai, Angthong, Nakhon Ratchasi-ma, Sing Buri, Ratchaburi and Phet-chaburi have already been compensated. They will also receive assistance to restock their coops.

"Compensation will reach more farmers in other provinces soon," he said.