July 8, 2004

Cambodia On Alert As Bird Flu Returns To Asia

Cambodian health authorities say they have boosted their vigilance in monitoring imported poultry from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. This move comes as bird flu re-emerges in Asia.

The head of the Animal Health and Production Department, Kao Phal, says officials still stationed along Cambodia's borders have increased their vigilance and no new outbreaks of the virus have been found in the country.

He says provincial officials will also boost monitoring at informal crossings along the border.

Cambodian authorities still plan to give the all-clear to nine areas where outbreaks of the H5N1 virus occurred earlier this year.

The virus swept across 10 Asian countries, killing 24 people.

Twelve outbreaks were officially reported in Cambodia, three of which were declared clear last month.