New bird ‘flu measures in place

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Livestock office (PPLO) has re-introduced strict measures to protect the island from avian influenza, following new outbreaks in the Northern and Central Thai provinces of Ayudhaya, Ang Thong, Pathum Thani, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri and Chiang Rai. The regulations went into effect on Tuesday.

Dr Weerapab Termkiatpaisarn, Deputy Chief of the PPLO, said that the new regulations are in line with the central government’s containment policy, which restricts the movement of all live poultry from the eight provinces across provincial lines.

“It is our duty to inspect the papers that authorize the transport of chickens and ducks onto Phuket. No poultry from the eight [infected] provinces can enter Phuket. We have also checked every poultry farm in Phuket to make sure the province is free of the disease,” said Dr Weerapab.

In addition, the PPLO now requires anyone moving poultry onto the island to contact the agency so that its point of origin can be confirmed.

The PPLO has also recommended that poultry farmers monitor their stock closely and report any signs of respiratory or digestive illness. The deaths of more than 10% of chicken or duck stocks in a single day, or 40% over three days, must also be reported, he explained.

He encouraged residents to report any such occurrences they know of by calling the PPLO during work hours at Tel: 076-216934 (x14) or 076-218596. Reports outside office hours can be made to Tel: 06-5841742, 09-7297941 or 01-8943069.