Poultry farmers in three border provinces exhibited improved awareness of Avian Influenza following the introduction of a village-based education project.

However, in some areas more than 20% still say they would eat an animal found to be infected with the disease, according to survey results released this week.

The survey was conducted in three Cambodian provinces, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Koh Kong. This survey is part of a programme led by the NGO CARE International. Overall, it found that the farmers benefited from education efforts implemented by Village Surveillance Teams, or VSTs.

In 2007, farmers were interviewed in order to assess their understanding of the Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus, commonly known as bird flu. In particular, the initial interviews assessed the farmers' knowledge of how the virus spreads to humans and how diseased poultry should be disposed of.

In carrying out this programme, Cambodia aims at increasing farmers' awareness of the Avian Influenza virus, so as to reduce the severity of the bird disease in the country.