Five pick-up cars, equipped for bird flu investigations, were handed over today by FAO to the department of livestock development (DLD). The mobile veterinary units were provided through a generous contribution from the government of Japan. The cost of the five mobile veterinary units amounts to Baht 6.6 million.

Dr Sackchai Sriboonsue, DLD director-general, symbolically accepted the car keys during a small ceremony at the National Institute for Animal Health in Bangkok.

The provision of mobile veterinary units will further enhance the capacity of the Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services in outbreak investigation, and ultimately contribute to the well-being of thousands of farmers, poultry consumers, the poultry industry and the general public, FAO noted.

"t is well known that Thailand makes continuous efforts – on its own and in close cooperation with other countries and partners, to fight against HPAI and demonstrates a high-level of commitment and capability to reduce the spread of the disease" said He Changchui, FAO regional chief during the handing over ceremony.

Over the last two years, FAO has implemented a regional project - Strengthening the control and prevention of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and enhancing public awareness – funded by Japan. The project has eight participating countries. In Thailand, the project supported initiatives of the Department of Livestock Development in organizing a series of epidemiology training for the control of HPAI, emphasizing on outbreak investigations.

The H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) crisis started in Asia in early 2004. Various donors positively responded to the appeal from international organizations including FAO, and provided significant financial support to combat H5N1. The Government of Japan was one of the first donors which provided funding to countries and partners such as FAO to fight bird flu since early 2004.

To date, FAO's Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has received over US$13.6 million from the Government of Japan for avian influenza related activities. This amount is used exclusively for Southeast Asia.