They will focus on farmers raising free-range ducks, who must switch to closed-system farming that has been proven to be safer. About 60 per cent of duck farmers have registered for the system.

Strict measures will also be used to continue to control the spread of the virus by migratory birds mainly found in central Suphan Buri and northern Nakhon Sawan, Charal said.

Harsh punitive action will be taken against those who clandestinely transport or sell poultry that has died of an unknown cause.

"Campaigns to raise the awareness of poultry vendors will continue," Charal said.

According to Public Health Minister

Pinij Jarusombat, 84 patients in 18 provinces remain under close monitoring for suspected bird-flu infection. No new patients have been reported since two cases were confirmed last month.