The

government, in cooperation with the UN, will ramp up its bird flu

campaign in the runup to Khmer New Year celebrations in mid-April,

officials said Tuesday.  The Department of Animal Health and Production

(DAHP), alongside the Forestry and Fisheries Department and the UN's

Food and Agriculture Organisation, will run a public awareness campaign

including a three-minute karaoke advertisement aimed at promoting

improved bio-security in the poultry industry. It will also hold avian

influenza forums in the border provinces of Svay Rieng, Prey Veng,

Takeo and Kampot. Popular singer Kat Skhim and comedian Ta Sis will

star in the TV advertisements, which focuses on quarantine practices

for sick birds, hygiene and responsible farming techniques. The DAHP

and FAO are encouraging people to report suspected cases of avian

influenza to their hotlines on 012 214 970 and 012 833 795,

respectively.