US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK5808

UNCLAS BANGKOK 005808 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR G 
DEPT FOR EAP 
USDA FOR FAS/DLP/HWETZEL AND FAS/ICD/LAIDIG 
USDA/FAS/FAA/DYOUNG AND USDA/APHIS 
DEPT ALSO PASS TO USAID/ANE/CLEMENTS AND GH/CARROLL 
PARIS FOR FAS/AG MINISTER COUNSELOR/OIE 
ROME FOR FAO 
 
E.O. 12958:NA 
TAGS: TBIO, AMED, CASC, EAGR, AMGT, PGOV, SOCI, TH 
SUBJECT: THAILAND AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION REPORT 1 
 
Animal Health 
 
 
1.   On August 31, 2005, the Royal Thai Government 
(RTG) announced that it had detected another outbreak 
of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry 
in central Thailand (Ayutthaya and Kamphaeng Phet). 
This new detection was made in so-called native 
chickens (free ranging, backyard poultry).  The RTG 
reportedly responded by culling infected and suspected 
poultry. 
 
2.   Three other HPAI outbreaks were detected in August 
2005 in similar areas of Thailand and in similar types 
of poultry raised in low-biosecurity situations.  The 
other August detections were in Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng 
Phet and Suphan Buri.  Detection dates were August 10, 
18, and 19, 2005, involving 232 animals.  There have 
been no recent reports of HPAI infection in commercial 
poultry operations and, as such, culling has been 
limited to small household flocks with relatively few 
animals. 
3.   RTG conducts what is known as "x-ray" surveillance 
of the nations poultry flock, implying that inspection 
goes down to the smallest village and rural community 
level. These inspections are resource heavy and are 
overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Cooperatives' Department of Livestock Development 
(MOAC, DLD). The recent August 2005 detections resulted 
from this national x-ray campaign. Complete 
depopulation of positive HPAI and suspected flocks is 
called for under the Thai x-ray program. 
4.   Compensation for destroyed animals is determined 
on a case-by-case basis with price discovery calculated 
by a committee of village leaders and MOAC officials. 
Variable may include type of animal, age of animal, 
etc.  MOAC/DLD reportedly has budget to compensate 
owners of destroyed birds.  DLD is also reportedly 
ramping up national laboratory capacity for testing 
samples from birds suspected of carrying HPAI.  There 
are eight national laboratories reported to have the 
capacity to carry out the necessary tests to detect 
HPAI in animals. 
5.   Owners of gaming birds must register fighting 
cocks.  Cock fighting arenas reportedly only allow 
birds that are certified free from avian influenza to 
enter these facilities. 
6.   Vaccination of poultry against HPAI is not 
permitted in Thailand, although anecdotal reports 
indicate that some poultry owners panicked and 
vaccinated their birds with illegally imported 
vaccines. 
 
Human Health 
 
 
7.   Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) continues its 
surveillance campaigns.  MOPH recently investigated a 
cluster of influenza-like illness that resulted in one 
death.  MOPH found influenza B in two of the cases and 
are sending (with US/CDC assistance) autopsy specimens 
and possibly other specimens to US/CDC for additional 
testing. 
 
8.   There have been a total of 17 confirmed human HPAI 
cases in Thailand with 12 HPAI human deaths. The most 
recent human infection with HPAI was in October 2004. 
9.   Discussions are ongoing between WHO-Thailand and 
MOPH on the idea of setting up a regional stockpile of 
PPE and Tamiflu. 
 
Arvizu