Thailand cold spell kills 200 chickens in Chaiyaphum

A poultry farm in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum reported that over 200 chickens died after the temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius earlier this week. The Department of Livestock Development reported that sudden changes in weather patterns are affecting the animal husbandry sector in Thailand.

Chickens can tolerate cold temperatures below freezing, but sudden changes in temperature can affect their ability to resist infections. Over 200 chickens died at a poultry farm in Isaan’s Chaiyaphum province earlier this week when the temperature dropped to a chilly 17 degrees Celsius in the middle of summer. The strange cold spell experienced in Thailand, caused by a high pressure system from China, is thought to have caused the mass death.

The farm owner said most of the dead chickens were only two to three weeks old and had not exhibited any abnormal behaviour or symptoms prior to the change in weather.

DLD Director-General Sorawit Thanito said farmers should protect their chickens from harsh weather conditions by giving them proper shelter and vitamins to strengthen their immune systems.

Earlier this year, A cold spell in upper Thailand killed at least ten tonnes of fish at a fish farm in Tha Uthen district in Nakhon Phanom province.

SOURCE: National News Bureau of Thailand