February 4, 2004

More Than Half of Thailand Down With Bird Flu

Bird flu was found in two more Thai provinces, bringing the total number of affected provinces to 39, more than half of Thailand's 76 provinces, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair said chickens carrying the disease have been found in the central provinces of Chonburi and Lopburi.

Earlier estimates that 27 million chickens had been culled have been adjusted downward to 24.8 million after authorities recalculated national figures for the mass slaughter aimed at halting the spread of bird flu, he said.

Although the map of affected areas is widening, Mr Jakrapob assured reporters that the situation is under control.

Avian influenza has killed four people in Thailand. Some 19 Thais are suspected to have contracted the disease, including 10 children who have died. Officials have adjusted the number of suspected cases almost daily as laboratory test results come in.