September 10, 2004

Thailand's Kabinburi District Declared As Full Bird Flu Observation Area

The Ministry of Public Health has declared Kabinburi District in Thailand's eastern province of Prachinburi as a full observation area of bird flu after a male patient was confirmed to have died from the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The Public Health Minister, Sudarat Keyuraphan, told TNA yesterday evening that the district had been added to the government's list of bird flu outbreak areas, and had been declared a full observation area of avian flu.

"This means that movements of any poultry from the district are strictly prohibited", she said.

"Local residents are warned not to approach any fowls suspected to have contract the disease. And if they face any breathing difficulty, which is a suspected symptom of avian flu, they should see the doctor immediately", she added.

The public health minister also warned local residents or owners of any chicken farms to immediately inform local authorities if they find any suspicious fowl deaths.