As new outbreaks of bird flu surge in China, killing 19 people this month, Thai authorities reaffirmed: it ain’t here.
The southern office of the Disease Prevention and Control Department confirmed that there have been no reports of outbreaks of the new fatal H7N9 virus from China in Thailand.
The office has nonetheless advised poultry farmers to notify the Livestock Development Department of any unusual illnesses in their farms.
The agency acknowledged although Thailand has been free from avian flu since 2006, the country remains at risk of being hit by avian flu, as it could spread from other Asian countries through cross-border trade and movements of poultry and people.
According to latest figures released by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) on January 23, a total of 219 patients have contracted the H7N9 virus, 52 of whom died.
A cull of 20,000 chickens was under way in Hong Kong yesterday after the deadly H7N9 bird flu virus was found in poultry imported from mainland China, days before the Lunar New Year.
Birds that suffer from avian flu usually show signs of depression, weakness, ruffled feathers, fever and diarrhea. Local livestock officials must be informed immediately when these symptoms are exhibited.
Hong Kong culled over 20,000 chickens on Tuesday after the H7N9 bird flu virus was found in poultry imported from mainland China, ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Members of the public are urged to avoid consuming sick poultry or come in contact with their carcasses, NNT reported.
Photo: NNT
lawanda.jones.16503 says
chicken feet should be washed before eaten