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Initial tests on the poultry that died in Mae Hong Song proved negative, but Thai officials are maintaining a high level of alert pending further results.
Northern Thailand closely monitors bird flu
Thailand's northern province of Mae Hong Song is still on high alert though initial tests showed that ducks and chickens that died mysteriously there last week had not contracted the H5N1 virus, authorities said on Sunday.
Over 100 fowl in Khun Yuam district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son reportedly died last week, sparking fears that the bird flu virus may have re-emerged.
Despite reassurance from health authorities, the director of the Livestock Department, Pirom Srichant, was quoted by the Bangkok Post's webnews as saying that the situation will still be monitored closely for at least eight more days with more bird flu tests conducted.
"Let me stress that we are taking this seriously and that we are still awaiting official results," said Pirom. "If there are traces of bird flu, we should be told."
According to a veterinarian based at the Livestock Department in Mae Hong Son province, 15 livestock officials have been dispatched to keep a close eye on the situation for the next 15 days.
Thailand is among the countries hardest hit by the deadly H5N1 virus, having recorded 24 human cases (including 16 fatalities) since the outbreak in 2004.
Source: Xinhua
