Over 10,000 birds have escaped the winter cold, including the lesser whistling duck and openbilled storks—of which the latter has been reported to be a potential carrier of the virus.
Suebsawas Phakphiboon, the provincial livestock chief, told The Nation newspaper that there was no chance of an outbreak occurring.
Earlier on January 17, the Public Health Ministry issued a warning to 14 provinces to monitor signs of the avian flu or any human contagion.
“The cool weather provides a good environment for it,” deputy secretary of public health, Dr. Paijit Warachit, said.
The provinces include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chai Nat, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lamphu, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya.
The last case of human infection in Thailand occurred three years ago.
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