Almost 200 chickens in northern Thai province of Phichit were culled and buried Wednesday morning to prevent the possible spread of the avian influenza (bird flu) virus, the Thai News Agency reported.

The culling of the poultry was carried out at Mab Krapao village, Sam Ngam district, which was declared an animal disease infection area last week after more than 1,000 local domestic chickens died from unknown causes and a child was hospitalized with a suspicious illness a few days ago.

A seven-year-old girl having had contacted with dead chicken developed flu-like symptoms, prompting the fear of another round of the bird flu.

However, public health officials said Tuesday she tested negative for the H5N1 avian flu virus and she was released from isolation in hospital.

After the culling, district livestock officials slaughtered and buried some 200 chickens after covering them with lime and disinfectant.

Meanwhile, officials took some poultry semen samples for lab testing for bird flu. The testing will be carried out in nearby Phitsanulok province and its results will be released next week.