Avian influenza is caused by HPAI virus. Bird flu spread to 61 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe, and about 260 million of chicken, ducks and birds were thus culled.

People who come into contact with animals infected with bird flu can be infected with the virus. In 14 countries of Asia, Africa and European regions, 243 died of HPAI infection out of 385 persons infected.

In 2006, in Sagaing and Mandalay divisions as the first wave, in 2007, in Yangon and Bago divisions and Mon State as the second wave, and in Shan State (East) as the third wave, outbreaks of H5N1 occurred.

As a result of the endeavours the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and participation of the people, the spread of the disease was under control in Myanmar, and on 20 April 2008, Myanmar claimed to be an H5N1 free country.

There have been cross border infection cases, so it is needed to prevent possible transnational outbreak of the disease.

It is also required to place under surveillance live bird markets, and animals that can become reservoir of virus, and to prevent illegal cross border trade of day-old chicks, duck babies, and chicken products.

Therefore, stakeholders such as poultry farmers, entrepreneurs and poultry dealers have to cooperate and coordinate with related departments and local administrative bodies to prevent the virus from spreading into the nation through cross border cases.