April 2, 2004

Thailand Declare Latest Bird Flu Outbreaks Suppressed

Thai livestock officials have declared the recent flare-up of bird flu in two Chiang Mai districts suppressed with no new infections reported.

"The situation is already under control but we haven't yet lowered our guard. We will keep a close watch on these districts," said Thira Ananworapanya.

The second outbreak was detected early last month when about 20,000 fowl in San Sai and Muang districts died. Lab tests returned positive results for the avian influenza virus, Deputy Governor Kwanchai Wongnitikorn said.

Authorities immediately ordered a mass culling and restrictions on the movements of poultry, Kwanchai said.

The source of the outbreak may have been fighting cocks relocated to the areas, he said.

Any farmer filing false reports about bird-flu casualties to try to get government compensation would face legal action, he warned. Convictions could bring up to one year in jail or a fine of Bt100,000.