Myanmar official media reported for the first time Thursday the outbreak of suspected H5N1 bird flu in the country's northern part, saying that measures have been taken to face the situation.

According to a release by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department of Myanmar carried on the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar, suspected avian influenza virus of H5N1 was found in a fowl left in a poultry farm in Khin U township in northwestern Sagaing division where some fowls were dead early this month and the outbreaks of chicken disease began from the second week of this month in Pyigyidagun township in adjacent Mandalay division.

It happened that during the third week of this month, 722 fowls out of 5,784 and 200 quails were killed in seven poultry farms and two quail farms including one in Amarapura township in Mandalay division, it said, adding that one of the dead fowls was found to be suspected of avian influenza virus of H5N1 according to investigation.

The department's statistics show that altogether 3,427 fowls and 200 quails were killed in 37 poultry farms and two quail farms between the first week of last month and the second week of this month with 5,122 destroyed.

The release recalled that the outbreak of chicken disease in Shwebo and Kanbalu townships in Sagaing division earlier in February produced no case of avian influenza there.

All of the four townships in the two divisions have been confined as restricted zones and ban of movement of fowls and its products and equipment used in control of the disease, temporary close down of fowl markets, destruction of fowls in the poultry farms and disease investigation are being undertaken in coordination with local related departments.

Following the case, Myanmar reported on Monday to the international health organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and sought assistance from them for the supply of laboratory equipment and expertise.

According to the release, avian flu-suspected materials have been sent to Thailand Veterinary Center, National Animal Health Laboratory and OIE Animal Health Laboratory in Australia for identification.

Rehabilitation programs including provision of day-old chicks, feed stuff, vaccination and other services will be implemented after the disease is under control in the areas, the release added.

Meanwhile, testing results on suspected bird flu occurring in Myanmar are expected to be revealed in two or three days after the samples of them were sent to lab in Bangkok on early Tuesday, FAO resident office said on Wednesday evening.

While awaiting for the results, an FAO expert will arrive in Myanmar later on Thursday to make field investigation and disease surveillance over the suspected outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in the country, it said.

The FAO expert will also coordinate and cooperate with the Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary of Myanmar to work out ways and means to cope with the situation.

Source: Xinhua