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Published on February 3, 2008

Although the results of the latest inspections have confirmed no bird-flu infection in the three provinces, senior officials said they decided to strengthen control measures in the areas to prevent the disease spreading and to maintain consumer confidence in chicken from local markets.

"We have put more effort into checking the movement of chicken and other avian products from nearby provinces. Due to the higher cooperation among agencies in the region, I can say that consumers in Lamphun can eat chicken without fear," said Phongphat Khataphan, Lamphun's provincial livestock officer.

Phongphat said the province had also initiated special measures including sending officials at random to inspect the quality of disinfectant in use at registered chicken farms in the area.

In Ratchaburi, most of the area has been found to be free from bird-flu infection. One woman in Ban Pong District is suspected of being infected with H5N1 and is now in hospital. However, there has been no confirmation of her condition, deputy governor Phisit Boonchuay said yesterday.

Ratchaburi has launched a pilot project on bird-flu prevention at one village to prevent the spread of the disease.

Governor of Nong Khai, Jadet Musikwong, visited a checkpoint at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to monitor officials spraying disinfectant on every vehicle from Laos entering Thailand.

The Nation