Thailand reports another bird flu death

A 59-year-old farmer is Thailand's third person to become infected with the deadly bird flu virus strain this year, public health officials said Wednesday.

The man, from Non Bua Lam Phy Province in northeastern Thailand, died Aug. 10, officials said.

He had owned fighting cocks, several of which suddenly died before his illness, The Bangkok Post reports. Officials said there were several outbreaks among chickens in the area where he lived.

The country is going through the fourth round of bird flu, with the latest outbreak beginning in August, the report said.

The bird flu virus has been steadily advancing around the world, first appearing in Asia, then Europe and Africa.

It lacks one trait that could turn it into a pandemic -- the ability to spread easily from person to person, the Post said. If the virus acquires that ability, a worldwide epidemic could erupt, medical researchers say.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International