March 20, 2007

Thailand confirms new H5N1 outbreak in poultry

A fresh outbreak of virulent H5N1 bird flu has been found in poultry in north-eastern Thailand, livestock officials said Monday (Mar 19).

The outbreak of the H5N1 virus was confirmed by laboratory tests after the deaths of about 50 ducks and chickens were reported on March 9 in Mukdahan, a province bordering Laos, said Phirom Srichan, director of the Agricultural Ministry's Department of Livestock Development.

This was the country's fourth outbreak in poultry this year since cases in January became the first reported in almost six months.