July 30, 2004

Cambodia Confiscates Poultry From Vietnam, Thailand

Cambodian authorities have confiscated thousands of eggs and a tonne of poultry imported from Vietnam and Thailand, in an effort to prevent new bird flu outbreaks.

Cambodia, which reported 12 outbreaks of the lethal H5N1 bird-flu strain when it raged across Asia earlier this year killing at least 24 people, has boosted monitoring following the resurgence of the virus amongst its neighbours.

The United Nations' food agency has warned Cambodia is at risk of fresh outbreaks, due to its proximity to Thailand and Vietnam.

Cambodia is among 10 nations in the region whose experts are currently meeting in Bangkok to formulate better ways to prevent the spread of the disease through Asia.