Altogether seven poultry farms in Mayangon, Hlinethaya, North Okkalapa, Mingaladon and Hmawby Townships in Yangon Division were struck by an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu from 28-2- 2007 to 30-3-2007.

As part of the disease prevention programme, altogether 65,812 poultry from the affected farms as well as farms that are close to the affected farms were culled, and disinfection was carried out at the affected farms 32 times.

According to laboratory tests, of 675 samples from the affected farms, 24 were found to be infected with H5N1 virus while 289 samples from other farms in Yangon Division were not found to be infected with H5N1 virus.

H5N1 virus was detected in 6 samples of the dead crows when 561 samples of the dead crows, sparrows, pigeons and other birds were tested. Those from the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department made field trips right down to the 205 poultry farms in the five townships and monitored the disease 70 times from 1-3-2007 to 21-4-2007. But there was no unusual death of poultry.

In cooperation with experts from FAO Integrated Project, FAO Regional Bangkok, FAO International Consultant and USAID, veterinarians of LBVD were in the fight against bird flu from 6-3-2007 to 21-4-2007.

Restriction on transport and sale of poultry as well as poultry products in the five townships was lifted.

As part of further programmes, those from LBVD are to make field trips to farms 3 to 7 kilometres away from the affected farms as well as farms of the states and divisions where they will monitor the virus in three months in order that the country can be declared a bird flu-free nation to OIE.

The LBVD has requested the people and breeders to come forward with information on the dead birds, to ensure bio-security and cooperate with the department in order to be able to prevent the recurrence of bird flu.