Phitsanulok takes precautionary action against bird flu

PHITSANULOK, Jan 29 (TNA) – Local authorities sprayed disinfectant in the forest in lower northern province of Phitsanulok where migratory open billed storks are now living as a precautionary action to prevent possible spread of the avian flu. Local officials from many agencies, including livestock were deployed to spray disinfectant in about 200 acres of forested areas in Prom Piram district where about 100,000 open billed storks are now occupying. Local residents, living nearby the migratory bird habitat fear that the birds could cause the spread of the bird flu. Now, they are affected by bird dropping smell and stains left on their clothes, hanging outdoor for drying. Chatree Charoenporn, the district’s livestock official said the birds have migrated to stay at the site as their temporary habitat. The disinfectant is sprayed as a precautionary step for the bird flu alert. However, he said they are useful as they feed on pests such as golden apple snails in rice fields. (TNA)