March 1, 2007

Myanmar reports new bird flu outbreak near Yangon

Myanmar has reported a new outbreak of virulent bird flu on the outskirts of its largest city, Yangon, the World Organization for Animal Health said Wednesday (February 28).

The H5N1 virus outbreak at a farm in Yangon's western suburbs was confirmed by laboratory tests, according to Myanmar's Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

The virus affected chickens, ducks and pullets, killing 68 birds. Another 1,292 birds were deemed susceptible to the disease and destroyed, it said.

Myanmar's last reported H5N1 outbreak among poultry occurred in April last year.

It said steps taken to control the latest outbreak included restricting the movement of poultry, screening other birds, and quarantining and disinfecting the area.

Although Myanmar has reported no human bird flu cases, neighbouring Thailand has reported 25 human infections so far, among which 17 were fatalities. Neighbouring Laos this week confirmed its first human case.