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Published on January 27, 2008

Health officials then said on Friday the virus was responsible for bird deaths in Phichit.

Laboratory tests yesterday confirmed the virus to be H5N1.

In Phichit, 19 people in Sak Lek district have fallen ill, two aged younger than five, provincial health officer Prachak Watanakul

said.

"All of them had direct contact with chickens. They will be monitored daily for at least 21 days. If they have the flu, they will be admitted to hospital," he said.

Prapas Khongtaeng, the Sak Lek district chief, said 262 more chickens had been culled, bringing the total to 600.

Phichit Governor Preecha Ruangchan yesterday called a special meeting for the control and monitoring of the disease in Sak Lek, Pho Thale, Bang Mun Nak, Bueng Na Rang and Dong Charoen.

Kalasin Governor Pracha Jitsuthiphol said the province had culled thousands of birds in 2004 and implemented strict prevention measures and monitoring.

"The disease was gone for several years until now. With the climate fluctuating, with long cold periods and rain, animals and birds are suffering health problems.

"We worry the recent discovery of chicken deaths will be bird flu," he said.

"I have launched monitoring in all districts, and chickens within 5 kilometres of the infection will be culled if it is discovered to be bird flu," he added.

The Nation