Authorities launch campaign to prevent bird flu during Chinese New Year

BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) - Three ministries jointly campaigned to prevent the bird flu during the Chinese New Year festival when a number of poultry will be used as an offering in the worshiping ceremony for ancestors and deities. The Public Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment told a press conference at the public health ministry market Friday about the campaign to prevent the bird flu during the upcoming Chinese New Year 2017. The campaign is aimed at educating traders and consumers on the prevention of the bird flu and creating confidence among consumers on quality poultry products, certified by the Department of Livestock. Director-General of the Department of Disaster Control, Dr Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk said the large number of poultry will be bought to be an offering for the ancestor worship ceremony, posing a risk of possible bird flu outbreak and there were reports of the bird flu outbreak in neighbouring countries. Thailand has not found a bird flu case in human since 2006 but the public health ministry keeps vigilance to prevent the recurrence of the deadly avian flu. People are advised to buy live poultry from shops with trade registration issued by the livestock department and to consume well-cooked chicken and duck. The doctor also suggested traders should not have a direct contact with sick animals and often wash their hand with soap. (TNA)