Detection and Response to HPAI outbreak among Thai villagers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, practices, and responses of Thai villagers in relation to avian influenza (AI), in Suphanburi province where there was more than one outbreak with human fatal cases and to provide this information to governmental and non governmental institutions for evaluation of all veterinary and public health action taken during four waves of avian influenza outbreaks in Thailand. The study also describes socio-demographic characteristics, source of information on avian influenza and attitudes regarding satisfaction of affected farmers with governmental action and compensation.The government has carried out a massive campaign to explain the dangers and to make people aware of AI but this has not had the expected impact on farmers who still do not fully believe the dangers.The survey result shows that the knowledge of respondents does not relate directly to their practices in relation to disease prevention, surveillance and diagnosis.