March 4, 2008

Myanmar encourages long-term precaution against bird flu
 

Following a series of bird flu outbreaks in some Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Thailand, Myanmar has now called on its people to exercise a long-term precaution to prevent a recurrence of the deadly H5N1 bird flu.

Myanmar's Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department has called on livestock producers, traders and consumers to take a long-term precaution against bird flu.

Myanmar itself has been a victim of bird flu in the last couple of years, and it has culled tens of thousands of fowls last year during an outbreak.

Although the bird flu has not returned since its last outbreak in December, continuous precaution should be made in cooperation with the authorities for effective prevention, according to the department's message that was published in Myanmar Alin, a state newspaper.

The message covers stepping up of biosecurity measures during the bird flu sensitive period, a revision in livestock breeding system, avoidance of illegal imports, transport and trading of poultry and poultry products, and prompt reporting of suspected bird flu case.

The bird flu virus was brought into the country by migratory birds, according to the message.

Myanmar has been cooperating with experts from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in its fight against bird flu.