April 28, 2009

Thailand halts pork imports from Mexico and US

Thailand halted pork product imports from Mexico and the US as authorities Monday (Apr 27) acted against the spread of swine flu.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MAC) confirmed it was halting the import of pork products from affected countries, despite international health officials saying the outbreak was spread by human-to-human contact.

The Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services director Nirundon Aungtragoolsuk said the suspension of pork meat and products import from the US and Mexico will continue until further notice.

Mexican officials said the number of both suspected and confirmed fatalities from swine flu has reached 103, while the US declared a public emergency as 20 cases were confirmed in five states.