Bird Flu Clean Up Campaign Kicks Off In Time For The Tourist High Season

A campaign to clean up possible bird flu infected areas was launched on November 13 by the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office, Chiang Mai Municipality and local administrative organizations. Boonlert Buranupakron, President of Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) presided over the launch at the 700 Years Stadium.

Weerachat Khuanrat, the Chief of Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office, said that the government has asked provincial authorities to initiate clean up campaigns four times a year in a bid to keep the virus under control.

“The change between rainy and winter season causes poultry to molt and the weather can weaken their immune systems. Moreover, research from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has found that the period from August to November, large flocks of migrating birds make their home in Thailand. Increased numbers of wild birds can be an important factor in the risk of transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus,” he noted.

The campaign will promote awareness to poultry and agriculture farmers about the increased need for vigilance and plans to distribute to farmers the chemicals necessary to keep the disease in check.

Meanwhile, Mae Hong Son has had 97 confirmed swine flu patients with Pang Ma Pha bearing the brunt of the virus with 49 infected people. Wittaya Kaewparadai, Minister of Public Health, visited Srisangwal Hospital on November 15 to observe and advise the hospital on a health plan to help prevent the spread of swine flu in the province.

The Minister said that there have been an estimated 6 million people affected by the swine flu nationwide but added that with the start of the cool weather and the tourist high season with its higher concentration of crowds, the Ministry is concerned that the virus may spread. He reiterated the importance of education for residents and tourists in swine flu prevention measures such as washing hands and wearing masks.

Teams of specialists have been set in place at 96 provincial hospitals across the country and the Department of Medical Services has set up a 24 hour hotline staffed by specialists to advise doctors treating high risk patients. High risk patients for the swine flu include those with respiratory ailments such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, the elderly and the very young. The death toll due to confirmed swine flu cases has reached 185 since the virus first appeared in Thailand.

with thanks to : CM-MAIL