January 20, 2011

Myanmar state's chickens suspected of dying of avian influenza

The unusual death of 700 three-month-old chickens in a poultry farm in Myanmar's Sittway, which occurred over the past week, was suspected of dying of virulent avian influenza, local news reported Wednesday (Jan 19).

The case was found in the state's Bumay village-tract and samples of the dead chickens have been sent to Yangon for laboratory test. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) stands the most possibility to have caused the death.

The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) has warned the public to take bio-security measures and report to the authorities on suspected death of livestocks.

Another report also stated on Wednesday (Jan 19) that a number of some American migratory birds were found arriving and resting in some areas in Bago region's Nyaunlaypin, Daik Oo and Pyontazar townships during this winter.

The LBVD has warned of probable infection from the birds which may carry virus into the country from the cold regions to infect local birds.

Myanmar experienced a re-strike by bird flu H5N1 in early 2010, detecting such cases in Yangon's Mayangong township and Mingaladon township and northwestern Sagaing region after some chickens died of virulent avian influenza in poultry farms.

The avian influenza recurred in Myanmar in February 2010, nearly two years after the country was claimed free from the disease.