A week after a

19-year-old boy was confirmed to have contracted the deadly H5N1 bird

flu, the Cambodian government has quarantined a three-kilometre area

around the center of the outbreak - which is near the Krangchek

Cambodia-Indonesia Friendship Center in Damrus commune, Kandal Stung

district, Kandal province - while investigations are ongoing.

OnTuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued a

warning saying all poultry in the area will be destroyed and outlined a

temporary suspension of the sale, purchase or transport of poultry,

which is to be in effect for the next 30 days. "Anyone who violates

these conditions will be punished in accordance to the law," the

statement said. Kao Phal, director of the Animal Health and Production

Department of the ministry, told the Post that local authorities had

destroyed 326 birds in the outbreak area and sprayed the area on

Wednesday. "It was difficult to destroy the birds because the birds are

not caged," Kao Phal said. "However, we have had good cooperation from

residents and all levels of local authorities."