Bangkok: The government is urging citizens to be cautious about poultry diseases during the late rainy season and early winter. In cases where unusually dead poultry is found, it should not be sold, distributed, or used in food.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that the government, through the Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is advising farmers to be alert for avian influenza outbreaks during this period of unstable weather. The late rainy season and early winter bring heavy rain, flooding, and cooler temperatures, which directly affect animal health. Poultry is particularly vulnerable to diseases due to the rapidly changing environment that weakens their immune systems, causing stress and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and avian cholera. Although Thailand has not faced any avian influenza outbreaks in recent years, the risk persists due to bird migration from overseas and ongoing outbreaks abroad.
Farmers and poultry keepers are encouraged to diligently monitor and prevent disease by ensuring proper housing conditions, preventing drafts, maintaining consistent temperature control, regularly cleaning food, water, and equipment, preventing vectors, and administering vaccinations and deworming. If poultry is found to be sick or dying abnormally, it should not be distributed or cooked, and immediate notification should be made to district livestock officials, livestock volunteers, village public health volunteers, or local livestock officials for urgent assistance.
For any inquiries, individuals can contact their local district livestock office or provincial livestock office. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Animal Disease Control and Prevention Office (OCPB), Department of Livestock Development, or by calling the Department of Livestock Development’s hotline at 063-225-6888. Requests can also be submitted via the DLD 4.0 application.