Information received on 19 November 2004 from Dr Yukol Limlamthong, Director General, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok:

End of previous report period: 12 November 2004 (see Disease Information, 17 [46], 341, dated 12 November 2004).

End of this report period: 19 November 2004.

Twenty-one days have elapsed since the last deaths, involving only tigers, on 28 October 2004 and disinfection of the infected premises.

All the necessary control measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been strictly implemented to prevent any further spread of the disease.

Samples have been collected from all susceptible animals, from zoo staff and from the environment for laboratory testing to evaluate disease status before re-opening the zoo to the public.

The suppliers of the potentially contaminated batches of whole or chicken bone carcasses have been accused by the Department of Livestock Development of illegal animal movement in contravention of the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2499 (1956) and Revision B.E. 2542 (1999). They have been questioned by the police.

The HPAI Operating Centre of ChonBuri Province has reported that the in-contact and sick groups of 102 tigers were euthanised on the basis of clinical signs. The remaining 294 tigers are under surveillance.