2 Million Doses Of Bird Flu Vaccine Smuggled In

Thailand finds 2 million doses of bird flu vaccine smuggled in

BANGKOK -- Thai government said 2 million doses of bird flu vaccine have been smuggled into the Kingdom, the Bangkok Post reported Thursday.

Thai Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob revealed that the vaccine has moved in on both Bangkok port and Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri province.

He was quoted as saying that the owner is still unknown, thougha full scale investigation is being launched.

Livestock director-general Yukol Limlaemthong said the livestock department are actively blocking vaccine imports because foreign importers said they would ban Thai chickens if the vaccineis used here.

On Jan. 30, 72 bottles of the vaccine arrived here aboard flight TG 603 from Hong Kong, enough to treat 72,000 chickens, were seized by custom in Bangkok airport.

After the Thai government admitted the country was affected by the fatal bird flu, 40 of all 76 provinces were declared bird flu control zones, with more than 35 million poultry being slaughtered.Enditem

--Agencies 2004-02-26