March 10, 2011

Burma affected by PRRS virus outbreak

Burma is affected by an outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), which took place in Mandalay, the country's second biggest city.

The virus affected 559 pigs and 210 of them died since March 4, according to the Mandalay Division Health Department (MDHD).

Currently, farms are being inspected and there are preparations to handle the outbreak underway.

According to a news report, a resident in Mandalay said, "Some infected pigs died because of the disease, and then some pork butchers reportedly sold the meat at low prices. But now, after many pigs have died, people are not eating pork."

It is said to be the first case of PRRS infection in Burma. The outbreak affected Aungmyaythasan, Chanayethasan, Mahaaungmyay, Chanmyathasan, Pyigyitagun, Amarapura and Madaya townships in Mandalay Division and Sagaing in Sagaing Division.

The World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed the PRRS outbreak.