1. H5N1 HPAI outbreaks in Global Aspect (from 2003 to 1^st week of August 2008)

(a) H5N1 HPAI outbreaks transmitted to poultry In (61) countries of Asia, Africa and Europe regions, the total number of poultry amounting to (260) million birds were affected by H5N1. Destruction of poultry resulted in losses of (11) billion US dollars.

(b) H5N1 HPAI outbreaks transmitted to human In (14) countries of Asia, Africa and European region, (243) humans died of HPAI infection out of (385) persons infected.

2. H5N1 HPAI outbreaks in Myanmar and neighboring countries (of 1^st week of August 2008)

(a) Myanmar In 2006, in Sagaing and Mandalay divisions as a first wave in 2007, in Yangon, Bago divisions and Mon State as a second wave, in (Eastern) Shan State as a third wave, outbreaks of H5N1 occurred and in 20-4-2008, the country could be claimed again as H5N1 free country.

(b) Neighboring countries, In some countries, disease occurrences were sporadic, in others, increased frequency of outbreaks and widespread infections were observed.

3. Review of H5N1 infection occurred in Asian region Based on the studies made by the consultants from FAO Asian region, the following overview comments could be made.

(a) Cross border infection of HPAI in the countries

(1) Cross border trade of live poultry, other birds and day-old chicks.

(2) Movement of infected meat and eggs.

(3) Farm implements, egg crates (used for the movement of illegally traded poultry and poultry products) illegal vaccines and dealers.

(4) Wild birds, migratory birds (crows, sparrows and pigeons) and illegally traded exotic birds.

(5) Clinically healthy birds such as vaccined day-old chicks, non-productive birds, culled birds, which are carried across borders are likely to spread infection.

(b) Virus reservoirs for circulation and infection

(1) Sites of virus multiplication Live bird markets which are of low bio-safety are likely to be sites of virus multiplication.

(2) Reservoir Ducks under free range systems are likely to be reservoir of virus.

(3) Sensitive and susceptible animals uails are highly susceptible to virus infection.

4. Bio-Safety measures

(a) With health consciousness to prevent day-old chicks, egg, and poultry products from being illegally carried through borders.

(b) To treat different poultry and birds species in separate isolation (as in rearing, carrying and selling), to increase bio-security measures in live bird market, and to clean and disinfect live bird markets at closing days interval.

(c) To undertake breeding, distributing of ducks in the specific regions of State/ Division, intensive rather than extensive farming through increased bio-security measures disease investigation, sero-surveillance in duck farms and disinfection of egg crates, boxes for trade.

(d) To undertake establishment of separate farming zones for poultry including quails and improvement of bio-safety measures.

(e) To undertake disease investigation and increased bio-security measures in the highly populated areas as high risk zones.

5. Animal Health consciousness

This is to kindly remind Myanmar Livestock Federation, and concerned organization such as Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, other respective agencies, regional and local authorities to cooperate and coordinate with the stakeholders such as poultry farmers, businessmen and poultry dealers in prevention, control and health and bio-security measures of HPAI infection in Myanmar.