Avian influenza is a communicable disease and local and regional heath organizations in the world have laid down control programmes and are combating the disease with greater momentum. In Myanmar, preventive measures are being undertaken and control programmes are being carried out. Hibernated birds carrying the virus, H5N1, transmitted the disease to domestic animals such as fowls, ducks and birds and then to human beings.

Workshop on Value Chain Assessment of Economic and Epidemiological Risk Related to HPAI Outbreak and Their Control in Myanmar jointly sponsored by Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and FAO was held at Micasa Hotel in Yangon on 19 January.

Deputy Director-General Dr Than Tun of LBVD, FAO Resident Representative to Myanmar Mr Tang Zhengping, Vice-President U Win Sein of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation and Livestock Policy Officer Dr Nancy Morgan of FAO Asia and Pacific Office in Bangkok delivered speeches.

Dr Araya Trangam of FAO and members Dr Than Kyaw and Dr Khin Hlaing explained the findings of the field trips as regards value chain assessment of economic and epidemiological risk related to HPAI outbreak and their control, followed by a general round of discussions. The workshops ended with the concluding remarks by Adviser to FAO Dr Masao Sasaki.