NEW AI OUTBREAK IN EASTERN SHAN STATE

UNCLAS RANGOON 001151 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, G/AIAG; PACOM FOR FPA; USDA FOR FAS/PECAD, FAS/CNMP, FAS/AAD, APHIS; BANGKOK FOR USAID:JMACARTHUR, APHIS:NCARDENAS, REO:JWALLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM SUBJECT: NEW AI OUTBREAK IN EASTERN SHAN STATE REF: RANGOON 1133 ¶1. (SBU) The Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) informed us on November 29 that they discovered two dead chickens in Wam Kaung Quarter in the town of Tachileik (Eastern Shan State) on November 26. The township veterinary officer sent samples to Kyaing Tone Quarantine Laboratory, where they tested positive for AI Type A and Newcastle Disease using a Rapid Test Kit (Combo). ¶2. (SBU) The Avian Influenza Control Committee of Tachileik decided to cull all of the poultry in the affected area totaling 98 chickens and 60 ducks. The committee implemented movement restrictions and conducted a public awareness campaign to help contain the disease. Officials presume that fighting cocks sold in Tachileik Township from Kyaing Tone Township, which suffered an outbreak of the disease on November 19 (reftel),may have carried the virus to Tachileik. ¶3. (SBU) The Director General of the LVBD arrived in Kyaing Tone on November 27 to discuss containment, prevention, and the strengthening of public awareness with the Avian Influenza Control Committee. As in the past, the GOB has been prompt and straightforward in sharing AI information with us. VILLAROSA