Preparing for the Battle Ahead

This article details the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to monitor and track avian influenza outbreaks in Suphan Buri, Thailand. The system is a computer programme which is able to analyse, integrate, share and display geographically-referenced information in a map format. Information is updated on a daily basis and includes details of bird flu-hit farms and the history of outbreaks in each district, enabling officials to identify outbreak areas and respond appropriately.

The GIS helps with the planning of avian flu surveillance and prevention schemes, enabling officers to accurately assess the scale of damage and develop the best plan to combat the virus. According to Wannee Santanmanas, chief of the provincial livestock office, GIS helps to save time and money, as officers no longer have to plot out the working area on a 1:4,000 topographic map.

Due to the success of the system, the Geo-Informatics Centre for Thailand has conducted GIS training courses for officials in pilot provinces, but the technology has proven unpopular with state agencies. According to Sombat Yumuang, chief of the Centre, poor information and collection systems may be one reason behind state reluctance to embrace the technology.

The province also uses the GIS system to track other areas including health records, education statistics, disaster warning and emergency response.