Peking duck deaths in Chon Buri not caused by avian flu

BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Agriculture senior official denied reports that Peking ducks in Chon Buri died from the bird flu virus. Lertwiroj Kowattana, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives said that the livestock officials inspected suspicious deaths of 36 Peking ducks in Sri Racha. The early examination found that the flock’s deaths on April 25 were linked to animal feed and were not caused by the bird flu. Veterinary Research and Development Center, Eastern Region checked two duck carcasses for the H5N1 and they tested negative for the H5N1 virus. He said the Agriculture Ministry has surveillance measures put in place. Local livestock officials are ready to inspect any suspicious deaths of the animals if found in any area. (TNA)