Campaign highlights bird flu, rabies threat

THE agriculture and health ministries, in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), recently organised a joint outreach programme to raise awareness of bird flu and rabies.

The “Avian Influenza and Rabies School and Community Forum” events were held in 32 schools and communities across eight provinces: Kampong Thom, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Svay

Rieng, Prey Veng, Battambang, Siem Reap and Takeo. Nearly 7,000 people participated in the 64 events.

“The forums equipped community members with knowledge and understanding of the diseases, as well as preventive measures they can employ to combat avian influenza and rabies in their communities. Participants were encouraged to share their new knowledge with families and friends, forming a united front against these diseases,” said FAO Cambodia.

The UN agency announced the successful conclusion of the initiative in Takeo province on February 24. The event featured an appearance of the “Super Chicken” mascot, spotlighting the importance of raising awareness about avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, a major public health concern.

“This campaign is beneficial as it addresses the proximity of students and local residents to animals susceptible to infection, making education and awareness critical for selfprotection,” explained Thai Ly, director of the Production and Veterinary Office at the Takeo provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on February 26.

Nuth Sambath, president of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, described cooperation between the two ministries in raising awareness about contagious viral diseases as critical. He stressed the importance of this collaboration due to the close proximity of domestic animals, potential carriers of these sometimes-deadly diseases, to communities.

“By empowering communities with information about avian influenza and rabies prevention, we can significantly contribute to safeguarding public health and protect communities from the negative impact of these diseases,” he said.