Govt denies new flu outbreak
A widespread rumour that the deadly H5N1 virus was found in Phichit has been denied by both the Agriculture and Public Health ministries.
Pinij Charusombat, caretaker Public Health Minister, said yesterday there were no new bird-flu infections - and no cover-up, as many feared."We never cover up cases, as it would damage our national health security, which has been appreciated by the international community," he said. Pinij said if new cases were found he would report them to the public, the international community and the World Health Organisation (WHO). He insisted that there have been no cases of humans becoming infected since December 7 last year. The Department of Livestock Development has admitted many chickens died mysteriously in the northern provinces, particularly in Phichit. However, Pornchai Chamnanpood, director of the National Institute of Animal Health, said laboratory tests on the dead chickens showed all were caused by cholera. This year, more than 53,000 dead chickens have been sent to the institute for tests. "It sounds a lot, but the death of chickens raised in backyards is no surprise. Those environments are not as hygienic as commercial farms, so it's easy for chickens to get sick and die," he said. Dr Nirund Pitakwatchara, an incumbent senator, said last week he believed the country has been hit by a new round of the deadly virus. His assumption was based on the mysterious deaths of chicken in Phichit and three patients suspected to have caught bird flu.
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