Thailand's Sukhothai province on bird flu watch

Nine districts in Sukhothai province in Thailand were put on a bird flu alert following many suspicious deaths of poultry.

In Kongkrailart distrcit alone, hundreds of farm chicken died since early November.

Local livestock officials have buried all of the dead animals and instructed farmers not to dispose of the carcasses in public areas to prevent any possible disease from spreading.

Livestock officials have collected excrement samples from the dead animals for bird flu tests.

At Kongkrailart Hospital, patients' backgrounds are being checked to screen for those who in contact with infected birds.

Teams from local livestock and public health offices have been sent out to clean and disinfect areas in question.