1. Incidences of Avian Influenza Avian Influenza (bird flu) is of zoonotic nature, (infection to human beings) that has occurred since December 2003 and spreads to 15 ountries in Asia and 33 countries in other parts of the world totaling 48 countries. Up to the end of March this year there were 186 cases and it caused 105 human deaths.

2. Situation in Myanmar Starting from the 1st week of February 2006 to the early March, the outbreaks of chicken disease, suspected Avian Influenza, occurred in some townships in Sagaing and Mandalay Divisions. In the first week of March samples were collected from the suspected poultry farms and examined through various processes. The H5N1 virus was detected from the samples. The virus was found in 30 samples out of 460 of 56 farms at the end of March.

3. Measures currently taken Avian flu occurred in Shwebo, KhinU, Kanbalu, YeU and Monywa townships in Sagaing Division and Chanmyathazi, Pyigyidagun, Chanayethazan, Maha Aungmye, Aungmyethazan, Amarapura and Singaing Townships in Mandalay Division in central Myanmar. Infected farms were destroyed and other farms around 1 kilometre radius were also destroyed for risk prevention. Up to 2 April, 240,000 fowls and 230,000 quails of 307 poultry farms and 102 quail farms were culled and buried. Altogether 90,000 eggs and 60,000 quail eggs were also destroyed and buried. The farms were sprayed with disinfectants. The abovementioned townships are confined as restricted zones and the movement control, temporary closure of markets and disease investigation in the poultry farms are being undertaken under the supervision of local authorities. Field investigation and disease surveillance are carried out continuously in cooperation with experts from international organizations. The spread of bird flu in the townships is now under control.

4. Signs and Symptoms (a) Sudden death and high mortality, drop in egg production

(b) Dull, decreased feed intake and excessive drinking (c) Difficult in breathing, eye and nasal discharges. (d) Oedema in head and face (e) Oedema in comb and wattles (f) Haemorrhages and red spots in legs and knee joints (g) 100% mortality if it is severe

5. Disease control measures to be taken (a) To notify promptly the local authorities or Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) if the disease suspected of Avian Influenza is noticed. (b) If chickens are affected with any kind of disease, not to sell out to the market or any other region. (c) To protect the domestic birds from contact with wild and migratory birds. (d) Not to convey the birds from other farms to the own farm and not to raise livestock and fowls together. (e) Not to allow the entry of people including young children from outside into the farm. (f) On entering the farm, use boots, overcoat, head wear, gloves and mask for protection. (g) To keep the farm hygienic and apply disinfectants and lime regularly on the farm. (h) Not to send farm workers to poultry markets or on return from the markets they are to be made to change clothes and shoes before entering the farm.

6. Prevention of transmission to humans (a) To cook well poultry meat and eggs to prevent infection to humans. (b) To wash hands of those who touch the chickens with soap

7. The Animal Health and Development Law has been promulgated for the control of animal infectious diseases. Those involved in poultry farming and trading are notified to coordinate and cooperate in contributing effectively to the control of Avian Influenza.

Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department

Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries