Bird Flu Scare Emerges in Sukhothai, Thailand

Date: Thu 30 Oct 2008

Source: TOC - Thailand's English News Channel [edited]

<http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1010292>

Bird Flu Scare Emerges in Sukhothai

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Livestock officials in Sukhothai Province reported the discovery of 

the H5N1 virus in domestic chickens raised by Mee Puengwang, a 

resident of Nong Wong Kwian Village in Swankalok District.

Assistant Village Chief Jamnien Puengwang said that 29 families in 

the village raised a total of nearly 1000 chickens before a number of 

them began to die of suspicious causes. She said there were no 

reports of the deaths of these fowls as some villagers were worried 

that their fighting birds might be slaughtered due to bird-flu fears.

After officials declared the discovery, all chickens in Sawankalok 

District were destroyed and their owners are to receive 32 baht 

[approx 0.90 USD] per kg for the killed birds.

Sukhothai Governor Yothin Samutkheeree has urged all related agencies 

to keep a close eye on the probable viral spread, especially in the 

areas where H5N1 was once found. Locals have been asked to report any 

suspicious deaths of birds immediately.

During the months of August and September, bird-flu virus was 

reportedly spreading in Sawankalok District before it was recently 

detected again in a nearby district.