SEOUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean government said Thursday that 2.99 million chickens and ducks have been culled so far to prevent further spreading of the bird flu throughout the country.

    Seven new suspected cases of bird flu outbreaks were reported to the government in the southwestern part of the country, which brought the total number of suspected and confirmed bird flu cases to 43 this year, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.

    Among the 43 cased, 21 have tested positive for the avian influenza, the ministry said.

    The government is under criticism as road blocks and check points used to limit movement and conduct decontamination around the affected area of bird flu have proven to be ineffective in preventing farmers and poultry merchants from transporting birds.

    South Korea placed the whole of the country on alert over bird flu spreading on Wednesday.