# 332
In yet another report of a duck farm suspected of H5N1 infection, and possible human infections as well, we get this report from the Bangkok Post today.
Ayutthaya put under close watch
SUNTHON PONGPAO MALEENA DOLOH
Ayutthaya has been put under bird flu surveillance following the mass deaths of free-range ducks in Bang Pahan district. More than 1,500 ducks were culled by local livestock officials yesterday after 93 of the birds in the same flock died on Thursday from a still-undetermined cause.
The owner, Samroeng Kaewchalermthong, said the ducks were raised in a paddy field which was also a feeding ground of waterbirds.
Dead duck samples were collected and sent for lab testing.
Seven duck raisers in the district have fallen ill with flu-like symptoms. They are now on the watchlist of the provincial public health office.
Also, a villager who helped bury the dead ducks was admitted to Bang Pahan hospital after he developed a high fever and sore throat.
The Livestock Development Department has listed Ayutthaya as one of the areas prone to bird flu. Poultry raised in the province were found to be in poor health following severe flooding late last year. The floods also increased the risk of an outbreak of animal disease, officials said.
Unlike the reports earlier this week from Phitsanulok and Phichit to the north, Ayutthaya province is further south, and much closer to Bangkok. The article indicates that checkpoints have been established to prevent the movement of poultry between areas. Mention was also made of possible infected fowl being brought in from Suphan Buri province to the west.
Once again, we have no confirmatory tests on these fowl, or human cases, and we must wait for additional details.
