September 3, 2004

Bird Flu Outbreaks Persist In Thailand

The Department of Livestock Development has reported that four new outbreaks of a bird flu strain in fowl have been confirmed in Thailand.

Two outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 strain were found in Uthai Thani province, one in Kamphaengphet, and another in Pathum Thani province, according to the department. Test results confirmed the disease on Wednesday.

Livestock authorities are presently monitoring 29 areas in 14 provinces where bird flu outbreaks have been detected.

Bird flu swept across Asia early this year, leading to the cull of tens of millions of poultry to control the H5N1 strain. The disease re-emerged in Thailand, China, Malaysia and Vietnam in July.

Poultry producers in China and Southeast Asia suffered millions of dollars in losses from culled stocks due to the bird flu virus.

Experts from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and other groups have warned that the virus cannot be easily or quickly eradicated. This comes as mounting evidence show that the disease is spread by migratory birds.