July 20, 2010

IBD strikes poultry farms in Myanmar

 

Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) has been found in some poultry farms in Yangon Division, an official from the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department confirmed last week.

"Since some of the chickens in certain poultry farms in Yangon Division were found to have been infected with IBD, poultry farmers should take great care to avoid infection," said Maung Maung Kyin, deputy director of the Diagnosis and Control Division of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department.

IBD was detected at farms in Ywarthagyi, Hmawbi, Thingangyun, Mingalardon, Insein, Hlegu, Twante and Dedaye townships in Yangon Division last month, Maung said.

The department would not specify how many farms had been affected or the number of chickens that had died in the outbreak.

Maung said the virus only infected broiler chickens, not ducks or other poultry, and does not affect humans, noting that the disease can be confused with avian influenza. However, the disease affects only young chickens, and can lead to death within two weeks.