January 24, 2008

Thailand hosting international conference on bird flu
 

An international meeting on bird flu opened in Thailand on Wednesday (January 23, 2008), aiming to find the best solution to handle with and preventing outbreaks of the bird flu virus.

Thai Minister of Science and Technology Yongyuth Yuthavong presided the opening ceremony of the "Bangkok International Conference on Avian Influenza 2008: Integration from Knowledge to Control" that has attracted over 500 researchers and academics from over 40 countries arrived at the conference to exchange their experiences on bird flu vaccine research in humans and animals.

The forum is providing opportunities for knowledge, especially lessons from the past three years in which applications have been adapted to control the spread of H5N1 bird flu virus.

The minister told the Thai News Agency that the forum would also facilitate international understanding and collaboration, which is essential for handling the global threat.

Yuthavong said the bird flu is a global concern which no nation can be complacent about.

Globalisation of trade and travel may become a catalyst in spreading this disease to other regions.

Yuthavong said although there are good measures in place to reduce and minimize risks, but they are not watertight systems and seasonal outbreaks will continue to occur. He added that it is thus necessary to continue to be on the alert and to maintain procedures necessary to protect both the public and animal health.

The Bangkok conference will continue through Friday.