February 3, 2009

Viscerotropic Velogenic Newcastle Disease (VVND), a virulent chicken-related disease has been found in Pyay, Myanmar's Magway Division.

As a part of its measures to deal with the case, the authorities culled nearly 5,000 infected chickens in the area, said a spokesperson for the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department.

The spokesperson added that the authorities have been scrutinising the chickens trading in the area and temporarily banned sale of them in the bazaars.

Meanwhile, Myanmar has also been placing emphasis on control of trans-border animal diseases, introducing animal quarantine laboratories in border trading areas with neighbouring countries.

In cooperation with Thailand and China, animal quarantine labs in areas such as Myawaddy, kawthoung, Muse, Lashio, Kengtung and Myitkyina, where border trade activities are carried out, are being respectively established.

Experts said these labs will help transfer information speedily and test the safety of live animals and animal by-products intended for export and import through border trade.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also provided aid worth of JPY102 million (US$1.1 million) to Myanmar last year to help the country fight five animal diseases including bird flu by setting up laboratories, exchanging information and conducting refresher courses for the diseases control.

VVND is the most severe form of Newcastle disease and is likely the most serious disease of poultry throughout the world.

In chickens, it is characterised by lesions in the brain or gastrointestinal tract, with morbidity rates near 100 percent and mortality rates as high as 90 percent in susceptible chickens.