The livestock industry is urging the government to maintain health standards for imported eggs, reports Bangkok Post.

The Thai Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), the Animal Husbandry Association of Thailand and the local branch of the World's Poultry Science Association said any imports of livestock or related products must comply with World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regulations.

Thailand must guard against diseases caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, said Associate Professor Dr Achariya Sailasuta, the TVMA president.

The warning came after the Commerce Ministry approved the import of three million eggs from Malaysia.

The move is aimed at addressing the issue of high egg prices stemming from the flood crisis.

Hoarding and inefficient transport have led to a supply shortage in many areas, shooting up egg prices to as much as eight baht (THB) apiece. Normal prices range from THB2.80 to THB3.50.

The associations said flood-affected layer farmers in Ayutthaya province account for two per cent of the country's daily egg production of 25 to 28 million.

Dr Achariya said the province as a whole normally supplies only five per cent of eggs to the industry.

She said the government should have informed consumers about the facts of the situation in order to prevent rampant hoarding.

The logistics system could have been improved to help prevent the shipping problems blamed for the spike in egg prices, according to Bangkok Post. However, Dr Achariya said she doubted the industry's advice would be heeded, as the imported eggs are due to arrive in Thailand this week.