April 20, 2004

Cambodia Reports Two New Bird Flu Outbreaks

Two new bird flu outbreaks have been reported in Cambodia. The affected areas include northeastern Kampong Cham and southern Takeo, both provinces bordering Vietnam. According to the Department of Animal Health and Production, the outbreaks have been contained and that the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation is monitoring the situation closely.
 
Officials say the infected chickens are being quarantined. To date, Cambodia has recorded 12 outbreaks of bird flu.
 
Seven Cambodians have been tested for the disease but all have been cleared.
 
The bird flu virus swept through 10 countries in Asia, causing considerable harm to both human beings and poultry. Vietnam had 16 casualties, while 8 people fell victim to the virus in Thailand, which also shares a boundary with Cambodia.
 
The World Organisation for Animal Health can only officially declare a country to be bird flu-free after a 21-day surveillance period with no new outbreaks.