Thailand has been highly alerted with large-scale outbreak of bird flu, preparing from vaccine stocks to expert teams.

    About 100,000 doses of avian flu vaccine have been prepared for domestic use if there is any serious outbreak of the endemic in the kingdom, the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA) on Thursday quoted Deputy Public Health Minister Suchai Charoenrattanakul as saying.

    The country was ready to give vaccine to poultry if there was anew severe bird flu outbreak, particularly in areas repeatedly plagued by the virus, Deputy Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng said on Wednesday.

    Chaturon, who chairs the national anti-bird flu committee, alsosaid Thailand might quickly import vaccine from China and the Netherlands when needed.

    Besides, more laboratories have also opened in 12 provinces to ensure quick bird flu-related test results.

    The government has also prepared a handbook on how to cope witha possible bird flu spread, which will be issued free to the public.

    A team of Thai experts on avian flu are scheduled to visit Vietnam to exchange technological knowledge on preventive measures against the disease.

    "We are now about 80 percent ready to deal with a bird flu outbreak should it happen today," said the deputy prime minister.

    Presently, two provinces in northern Thailand and one in central region are classified as bird flu-stricken areas, while another 19 provinces are on the watch list.