Avian influenza is a disease that can infect from animals to human beings. Since December 2003, it has spread to 56 countries in Asia and Europe. There were 275 cases of bird flu in 12 countries up to 27 February 2007 and 167 persons died. If the disease spread from human to human if will be very dangerous pandemic disease.

Therefore, Myanmar government, hand-in-hand with international organizations and public has now managed to cease the outbreak of bird flu in Myanmar.

With a view to disseminate the awareness of the outbreak of bird flu, Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department of Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, OIE and FAO organized instructors’ course for surveillance and controlling bird flu at Sedona Hotel in Yangon on 11th September 2007.

Deputy Director-General Dr Than Tun and Deputy Head of Asia-Pacific region Dr Shiro Yoshimura of OIE delivered addresses on the occasion.

Also present on the occasion were Director-General U Khin Maung Aye of Fisheries Department, Managing Director Dr Than Shwe of Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Enterprise, Director Dr Kyaw Moe of Medical Research Department, Vice-President U Win Sein of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation, Resident Representative Mr Tang Zhengpping of FAO, officials of WHO, UNICEF, OIE, USAID and JICA.

At the course, the experts of OIE, FAO, EU and Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department lectured on surveillance for bird flu, study of spread of the disease and giving educative talks to the public until 13 September.

Public awareness of control measures and prevention and control activities of Avian Influenza campaign are being made with the cooperation of the public, government and international organizations.

With enhanced health awareness of the people coupled with proper preventive measure they will be able to enjoy health, fitness and longevity.