June 16, 2011

Thai province denies poultry disease outbreak

The Thai Ministry of Public Health has denied reports that an epidemic has killed chickens in Thailand's northeastern province, Nakhon Ratchasima.

The ministry advises the people to consume only well-cooked food as a precaution. Local health officials are looking into food safety in the Thai Northeast.

Thai Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Paijit Warachit said although several chickens had died in Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat, it should have nothing to do with an epidemic, which, otherwise, would have killed more chickens. Dr. Paijit also quoted Thai livestock development officials as reporting that the chicken deaths did not result from an epidemic.

Dr. Paijit acknowledged that he has ordered public health chiefs in all northeastern Thai provinces to examine food hygiene in their respective areas. He has also advised consumers to cook food with the heat of over 70 degrees Celsius to kill germs and to buy fresh chicken meat by choosing firm meat, free of mucus and bad smells.