Slim chance of avian flu coming to Thailand from US: DDC

Thongchai added that DDC officials at all immigration checkpoints will monitor people travelling from foreign countries for possible H5N1 infections.

The DDC will also coordinate with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prevent the spread of the virus from wild birds to humans, Thongchai added.

Separately, DDC deputy director-general Dr Apichart Wachiraphan advised Thais to protect themselves against the virus by avoiding touching dead birds, especially chickens.

He said Thais need to be watchful, especially since there are H5N1 outbreaks in neighbouring countries often.

He also warned people against consuming fowl that have died on their own. He said the Livestock Development Department should be contacted right away if people detect suspicious deaths of birds.

Apichart also advised people to wash their hands if they touch dead birds and immediately see the doctor if they develop a fever.