Executive Summary
National Strategic Plan for Avian Influenza Control in Thailand
BE2548-2550 (A.D.2005-2007)
by the National Committee on Avian Influenza Control
The Avian influenza outbreak was witnessed in Thailand for the first time during the end of the year 2003. It has developed the tendency to become endemic, and more outbreaks are expected in the yeas to come. If no efficient control measures are put in place, and adaptive mutation or re-assortment of a virulent avian influenza virus and the common influenza virus that effect humans is observed, it could lead to a more efficient form of transmission of the virus which could lead to human-to-human transmission of the virus, and thus triggering an influenza pandemic, which could take many lives.
Due to the multi-dimensional nature of the avian influenza virus, it is therefore necessary to serious implement a strategic plan and formulate sustained systematic multi-stakeholder actions to counter problem.
This strategic plan focuses on the immediate necessities and priorities.
Targets for the 3 years period (B.E.2548-2550) (A.D.2005-2007)
| 1. |
Targets for the control of spread in poultry
| 1.1 |
No spread of avian influenza in economic poultry within 2 years |
| 1.2 |
Reduce the spread of the disease, so that avian influenza is not a problem with domestic poultry, fighting cocks, exotic birds and migratory birds within 3 years. |
| 1.3 |
No spread of avian influenza in other animals within 3 years |
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| 2. |
Targets for the control of spread in humans
| 2.1 |
No spread from animals to humans within 2 years |
| 2.2 |
Efficient pandemic preparedness within 1 year |
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Strategies: There are 6 inter related strategies in the National Strategic Plan for Avian Influenza Control, which include:
Strategy 1
Development of a disease free poultry management system
The objective is to enable poultry to be free from diseases and safe for consumption, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Improve the structure and system for raising domestic poultry, exotic birds, fighting cocks and free range ducks, in accordance to the bio security standards. Identify cards should be issued for fighting cocks, particularly during movements. |
| 2. |
Develop zoning and compartment system, to clearly define areas for the movement control of poultry. |
| 3. |
Develop efficient disease surveillance and response teams for poultry, to cover all areas. |
| 4. |
Surveillance and control of avian influenza in natural birds. |
| 5. |
Analyse the situation and prepare for use of vaccines for prevention of the disease in poultry. |
| 6. |
Continuous publicity and provision of information and knowledge to the public. |
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Strategy 2
Disease surveillance and response during outbreaks
The objectives are to rapidly detect and control outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry and to closely follow up on the changes in the situation, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Disease surveillance and control in animals, by implementation of proactive surveillance measures that would report back on disease outbreak within 12 hours, destroy sick animals and their carcasses, disinfect the farms, restrict movement and consider appropriate use of vaccines. |
| 2. |
Disease surveillance and control in humans by preparation for continuous active surveillance system, stockpiling of antivirals and influenza vaccines. |
| 3. |
Influenza pandemic preparedness plan. |
| 4. |
Set up ad hoc integrated mechanisms at all levels, to function as the command center during outbreaks, in order to bring about rapid control of the disease. |
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Strategy 3
Knowledge generation and management
The objective is to generate and manage knowledge, which can be used to efficiently solve problems of avian influenza, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Generate basic knowledge that is necessary for prevention and control of avian influenza in humans and animals. |
| 2. |
Research and Development on vaccines which are ready for use during outbreaks, in humans and animals. |
| 3. |
Research and Development on diagnostic kits which could lead to rapid screening. |
| 4. |
Research and Development on medicines for treatment of avian influenza. |
| 5. |
Establish a neutral technical body responsible for the management of knowledge, which employs full time permanent staff. |
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Strategy 4
Capacity building of organizations and manpower
The objective is to strengthen capacity building of organisations and manpower working on surveillance and control at all levels, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Develop the capacity of disease surveillance and control in humans, with the establishment of efficient epidemiology units every district, in addition to training of professional field epidemiologists and experts in other fields. |
| 2. |
Develop diagnostic capacity in humans, by developing a system of network of laboratories at the central, provincial and hospital levels to support prompt and accurate diagnosis of avian influenza in humans. |
| 3. |
Control of avian influenza in hospitals, by development of medical personnel in areas of infectious diseases, and establish isolation rooms for patients infected or suspected of being infected with serious communicable diseases. |
| 4. |
Develop disease surveillance and control capacity in animals, by training and development, and provision of incentives for professional field veterinary epidemiologists, and promotion of the role of wild life conservationists. |
| 5. |
Develop the capacity of laboratories for diagnosis of and research on avian influenza in animals, with high safety levels. |
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Strategy 5
Create understanding and participation of the civil society and private sectors
The objective is to strengthen the roles of civil society and private sectors, in prevention and control of disease outbreaks, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Promotion of self grouping, for coordination between the small scale farmers and those in the concerned occupation. |
| 2. |
Develop network of volunteers to monitor and control disease outbreak in the community. |
| 3. |
Develop effective public communications at all levels. |
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Strategy 6
Develop sustainable integrated management systems and mechanisms
The objective is to create efficient and united mechanisms for the management of avian influenza problems, based on the following measures:
| 1. |
Develop mechanisms to manage problems of avian influenza under normal circumstances, by establishment of knowledge management mechanisms, whereby full time staff are employed under a permanent setting. |
| 2. |
Develop mechanisms to manage problems of avian influenza during outbreaks, by establishment of national level committee and national level operations center and develop management systems at local levels. |
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Budget from 2005 - 2007
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Summary of the Strategic Plan for Avian Influenza Control 2005 - 2007
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