By Suchada Tupchai
A chill much colder than that of winter comes over us
with the return of avian flu. This time around not only is it striking fear
into Asians, especially farmers, it is also moving through Europe and
terrifying Europeans. It has turned into a crisis that many countries are
observing and waiting and preparing for - as is Thailand.
The previous avian flu crisis is still remembered,
especially the pictures of the culling. Whole farms were decimated,
bringing tears to farmers’ eyes. We do not need to mention the economic
damage caused to so many, but again the images won’t go away. The smaller
farmers lost everything. At the broader level poultry exports were greatly
affected with many countries - including the EU who are presently
experiencing avian flu - refusing to import Thai poultry products even
though Thailand said the products were safe.
The outbreaks in Europe and Asia will not only affect
the agricultural sector, but also affect tourism as happened last time
around. Many tourism economies came to a halt as people refused to fly
abroad out of fear of becoming infected by H5N1.
Thailand is entering its winter season, a time that
helps the avian flu virus to incubate. Already, several areas are
experiencing outbreaks. One man has died after becoming infected with the
virus in Kanchanaburi and there are other suspected cases under
observation.
Past experience proves that this time around all parties
need to be better prepared, and not only in terms of observation. The
public, and that also means tourists, better understand avian flu through
clearer communication, public relations, and stricter procedures in
protection and implementation of poultry laws. Whatever methods are
implemented, it is important to be ready. And not building the fence after
the cows have escaped like last time.
Efficient observation isn’t enough. We have to fight
the enemy that during its last invasion caused a great crisis. Everyone
must help to defeat the invader, and not let history repeat itself.
