Storms and floods cause Thai government to urge vigilance regarding bird flu

Bird flu outbreak possible after storms and floods
BANGKOK, Oct 3 (TNA) - Thai authorities are warning of a possible bird flu outbreak after the recent rainstorms and floods, followed by the impending arrival of cool season which brings migratory birds.

Yukhon Limlamthong, Director-General of the Livestock Development Department said freak weather in Thailand has brought about persistent rains and floods, intensifying the risk of another bird flu outbreak.

Although no signs of an outbreak have been detected to date, Mr. Yukhon said he is concerned that after the monsoon season--with some areas being persistently under water, poultry and other birds may weaken and become vulnerable to the virus.

Compounding the situation is the arrival of cool season which follows the rains, and both domestic poultry and wild birds must adapt to another round of change.

He urged Thais to be especially cautious in the month of October, by reporting unusual deaths of chickens to the authorities.

The Livestock Development Department plans another round of fumigation on a national scale in November, he said.

Data at end of September showed no new case of bird flu, from the last known cases found in Phichit and Nakhon Phanom provinces in July. (TNA)-E007