BANGKOK, Aug 26 -- The Thai Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) assureded the public that the risk of the Ebola virus spreading among local animals is low, but the Livestock Development Department (DLD) has slowed down the imports of animals from countries where the deadly virus is reportedly spreading, as a safety precaution.
The Veterinary Medical Association gave a joint press briefing, with Livestock Department and the Veterinary Faculty of Mahidol University. Dr Sorowit Thaneeto, DVM, TVMA chairman and Dr Sorowit Thaneeto, DVM, DLD deputy director said that Thailand has been on high alert for any new emergence of diseases including Ebola in local animals including monkeys, bats, and pigs since bird flu broke out several years ago.
TVMA and other concerned agencies have randomly selected some 2,500 animal samples beginning last year, testing for the spread of the Ebola virus among domestic livestock but found no animals infected with the virus.
Dr Sorowit said the study has shown that Thailand is facing a low risk of the lethal virus spreading among local animals and livestock, though measures area still needed for the disease's prevention.
As the latest move, the DLD has reduced imports of products from countries affected with the spread of the Ebola virus through all airports, ports and borders.
Besides, surveillance at customs checkpoints has also been increased, while responsible authorities are reminded to follow the operational plans against the Ebola virus to the best of their abilities.
If the virulent virus is found within Thai borders, the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH) and Mahidol University would be able to confirm the finding directly, prompting prevention against the virus to be swift and thorough.
As for the long term solution, Dr Sorowit said, the DLD has been pushing to add the Ebola virus into the Animal Epidemic Act 1956 (BE 2499) to initiate a stronger prevention against the virus.
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