#12,576
In the middle of the last decade, when H5N1 was still pretty much a Southeast Asian problem, Thailand was one of the hardest hit countries. In 2004, they reported 17 human infections and 12 deaths, coming in second to Vietnam.
They also lost more than a hundred rare tigers that year, as reported by the WHO:
In October 2004, captive tigers fed on fresh chicken carcasses began dying in large numbers at a zoo in Thailand. Altogether 147 tigers out of 441 died of infection or were euthanized. Subsequent investigation determined that at least some tiger-to-tiger transmission of the virus occurred.By the end of 2006 - the last year Thailand reported a human infection - they had done a remarkable job controling the virus, although scattered outbreaks in poultry would be reported over the next few years.
Thailand filed their last OIE report on Avian flu in 2009.
But given their location and immediate neighbors - and the recent surge of H7N9 in China, the spread of H5N8 in Asia, Europe, and Africa, and the recent escape of H5N6 from China - it is safe to say Thailand remains on high alert for any signs of the virus.
While it may be nothing more than a timely reminder, the Thai language press overnight has been echoing a vague report referencing `sick poultry in the north', and urging increase surveillance and reporting (note: the website url mentioned in the article isn't responding right now).
(Translated)
The Department of Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza After the outbreak of the province.
Credit: manager.co.th
Mr. Sopon Mektanat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health said that the Ministry of Public Health. Has joined with related agencies. Avian influenza surveillance is intensive and continuous. Although Thailand has not reported human infection with avian influenza in humans since 2006 to date. But there are still risks due to climate change and the movement of animals along the border.
From the surveillance, it was found that the poultry were sick in the lower North. The Provincial Health Office ordered the Department of Disease Control together with the Department of Livestock. Send the team to investigate the swiftly moving disease into action. By integrating all agencies and all levels in the area. To maintain safety and promote self-defense awareness of the people.
The Department of Disease Control ordered 12 Disease Control Offices nationwide. And the Institute for Disease Control and Prevention. Accelerate surveillance and preparedness for avian influenza. Together with the Provincial Public Health Office Provincial Livestock Office And related agencies Practice emergency preparedness plan.
Situation of bird flu outbreak Especially high risk areas such as border areas. Dense poultry area And a lot of reptiles. People can keep track of information and advice on bird flu prevention at the Bureau of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Disease Control. Http://beid.ddc.moph.go.th For more information, contact the Department of Disease Control Hotline on 1422.Admittedly, not a lot of details here. The `outbreak' - whatever it is - is being investigated. Hopefully more details will be released soon.
