The government announced today that a recent survey of wild birds in central Thailand had shown six species infected with bird flu.

The results came from a random sampling of more than a thousand migratory and indigenous birds in four central provinces where infected poultry had previously been discovered.

The head of Avian Influenza Operations Center, Dr. Charal Trinvuthipong told journalists at Government House in Bangkok that while the source of the latest infection remained unknown, it would be the subject of further close study.

The bird samples were collected in the provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Chachoengsao and Saraburi.

Dr. Charal sought to allay public fears about the possible transmission of the virus from birds to humans. “It has not been concluded yet that the avian flu virus can be transferred from birds to human,” he said.

The infected local species were identified as the Little Cormorant, Asian Openbill, Scaly-breasted Munia (Spotted Munia), Red Turtle-Dove, Black Drongo and pigeon.

Dr.Charal added that he would propose more extensive survey, with a random sampling of 6,000 specimens of each kind of bird.

Meanwhile, the Livestock Development Department has announced that as of December 9, 71 areas in 19 provinces have reported cases of the virus, with new outbreaks in the southern provinces of Pattani and Narathiwat.

Since the country was hit by a second round of bird-flu outbreak in July, Thailand has recorded five confirmed cases of bird flu among humans. Four of the victims died, while the last patient recovered.