March 22, 2005

Bird flu outbreak suspected in Myanmar

Thousands of chickens died suddenly at Moulmein, Mon State in southern Myanmar and local residents suspect that there could be an outbreak of bird flu.

The chickens are said to be from a farm at 6-mile Hill near Moulmein University, but Veterinary Department of Mon State said these chickens died from ordinary diseases. The locals however suspect a cover up by the state authorities

The director in chief of the Veterinary Department Dr. Than Tun said he had not received reports of the deaths of chickens and also denied news blackout on the matter. "We recently mentioned in Kumudra magazine that we are continuing to take action on bird flu," he insisted.