The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department confirmed the outbreak of H5N1 strain of Bird Flu at some poultry farms in Mayangon, Hlinethaya, North Okkalapa, Mingaladon and Hmawby Townships, Yangon Division.

Poultry, quails and pheasants of the affected farms, those from possible affected farms and those from farms that are contiguous with the affected farms were culled, and necessary preventive measures are being taken.

Altogether 324 crows, pigeons and sparrows, doves were found dead in townships of Yangon Division from 27-2-2007 to 26-3-2007. The dead bodies of those birds were sent to the laboratory. According to the laboratory, most of the birds died of heat stroke, chronic bronchitis and small pox but six crows were suspicious of being infected with bird flu.

Although H5N1 strain of Bird Flu was found at some poultry farms in Mayangon, Hlinethaya, North Okkalapa, Mingaladon and Hmawby Townships, the dead bodies of 75 chickens and 22 geese sent from poultry farms of Insein, Mingaladon, Yankin, Thakayta, Ahlon, Kamayut, Thingangyun, Dagon Township (North), Mayangon, Hmawby, Dagon Township (East), South Okkalapa in Yangon Division and Minhla Township and Nattalin Township in Bago Division were not found to be infected with bird flu.

The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department warned breeders and those who are engaged in poultry marketing to use new farm equipment instead of the old ones while at poultry farms since H5N1 virus can transmit from one township to another, to ensure that crows do not enter poultry farms and to boost bio-security and to cooperate with local authorities, LBVD, Health Department, Yangon City Development Committee and Livestock Breeding Federation that are engaged in control of bird flu.