June 22, 2005

Myanmar cautions about bird flu spreading to its borders

Myanmar's health ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant against bird flu, as the virus could likely spread from neighbouring countries where it is still considered a threat.

Though no cases have been detected in Myanmar so far, the dissemination of effective precautionary measures should be intensified, said Health Department Deputy Director Dr. Khin Maung Lwin.

After new outbreaks of bird flu were discovered in Thailand and Vietnam early this year, Myanmar's livestock ministry began monitoring poultry farms near the border and asked farmers to report any unusual disease or increase in mortality among chickens.

Dr. Than Hla, director of research and disease control said the Ministry will press on with its public awareness programs in rural areas with the distribution of leaflets, and education about the disease and its symptoms.

In January 2004, Myanmar began a ban on poultry imports from countries where bird flu was detected.