Suspected cases of H5N1 virus were detected in a poultry farm in Mayangon Township and one in Hlinethaya Township, Yangon, Division. The two farms were destroyed and sprayed with pesticide on 28 February and 2 March respectively.

According to the rapid test, PCR, cultured bacteria method, samples of the chickens at the farm and examination of experts from FAO and UNAID between 6 and 9 March 2007, the outbreak of H5N1 virus was confirmed. In accord with the procedures, it was announced that the suspected cases at the poultry farms in Mayangon and Hlinethaya Townships were confirmed as H5N1 virus.

Under the risk prevention programme, domestic fowls within one kilometre from the farms where the virus was found in the restricted zone were culled and destroyed.

Disinfection was carried out two times at the affected poultry farms and their environs. Four disease surveillance groups are conducting disease diagnostic measures and laboratory tests in Mayangon and Hlinethaya Townships.

According to routine laboratory diagnosis, bird flu was detected on the dead fowls and birds. The transport of poultry and poultry products was restricted after designating controlled zones with temporary closure of poultry markets.

As part of public awareness measures, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, the Health Department, the Development Affairs Department and the Education Department are making concerted efforts under the IEC Programme of UNICEF in distributing posters, pamphlets, gloves and masks and soaps to the people.

Disease surveillance, disinfection, restriction on transport of poultry and poultry products and closure of poultry markets in the controlled zones will run to 21 days starting from the date when H5N1 virus was confirmed.

The LBVD has requested the people to strictly follow the restriction on transport and sale of poultry and poultry products in the controlled zones while boosting bio-security at poultry farms in cooperation with the LBVD, the Health Department, the Development Affairs Department, Yangon City Development Committee, local authorities and Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation.