Officials from the Livestock Development Department have banned the movement of animals, field ducks in particular, into Khon Buri district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima following reports of a bird flu outbreak in Thailand’s neighbouring countries.

As a precautionary measure, livestock officials and volunteers have launched a campaign to educate poultry farmers about bird flu, which usually occurs in the cold season, and are advising them to disinfect their farms.

The transport of animals, especially field ducks, from other areas into Khon Buri district is also prohibited and violators will face legal action.

Livestock officials have also mandated that all farmers keep records of their field ducks, as part of the precautions against the spread of bird flu.