BURMA AI OUTBREAK RESPONSE STAYS STRONG

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 000221

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: BURMA AI OUTBREAK RESPONSE STAYS STRONG

REF: RANGOON 00212

RANGOON 00000221 001.2 OF 002



1. (U) Summary: The GOB continued to respond effectively to
the February 26-27 outbreak of AI found in poultry at an
isolated farm in a Rangoon township. Measures include
quarantine of the farm, a ban on the sale of eggs and poultry
products in five townships, and close surveillance of humans
and livestock in the area. FAO and WHO representatives
praised the GOB's quick actions, and said officials properly
followed contingency plans, and correctly utilized training
and equipment provided by international donors. The GOB made
public information announcements on local television and in
the government newspaper on March 1 and 2, getting widespread
coverage. No source of the virus has been identified yet.
We have not been able to confirm rumors of another outbreak
in Rangoon. End summary.


2. (U) WHO and FAO representatives in Rangoon told us that
the GOB has responded efficiently and effectively to the
outbreak of AI in poultry at one isolated farm in Rangoon.
Officials continue to share information with UN agencies in
Rangoon and coordinate closely with FAO Bangkok. As the UN
recommended, the government placed official announcements
about the AI outbreak and reminded the public of disease
precautions on television on March 1, and in government
newspapers on March 2. The LBVD Director General and a
Central Epidemiology Unit epidemiologist traveled to Rangoon
from the administrative capital of Nay Pyi Taw on March 1 to
supervise further investigation.

Foreign Assistance
--------------

3. (U) Responders to the outbreak included the Rangoon Rapid
Response Team (RRT),which had received USAID-supported
training from WHO. The RRTs include both animal and human
health workers. Responders used Personal Protective
Equipment kits (PPE),supplied to FAO and WHO by USAID, in
handling this outbreak. At the request of the LBVD Director
General, USAID Bangkok plans to send personnel to support the
GOB investigation during the week of March 5.


4. (U) On March 1, FAO expert Dr. Larry Allen returned to
Rangoon from Mandalay to help with the investigation and
analysis. Dr. Wantanee and others from FAO Bangkok also plan
to travel to Rangoon within the next few days. WHO Rangoon
also has an epidemiologist on standby in Bangkok. UNICEF
has provided government officials with additional
informational posters and pamphlets for distribution in the
affected areas. Government officials have not requested any
additional outside assistance.


5. (U) According to WHO and local sources, Ministry of Health
(MoH) officials continue to monitor the health of the family
that lives on the affected farm. One female child, who lives
within a one-kilometer radius of the farm, has exhibited
flu-like symptoms and is being monitored at a nearby clinic
by the MoH. MoH officials will also monitor the health of
some family members who reportedly departed the farm before
the poultry die-off.


6. (U) Officials continue to investigate the source of the
virus. FAO contacts are advising the GOB to investigate
backward (where did the farmers purchase the day-old chicks?)
and forward (were any poultry sent from the farm to other
sites?). The FAO rep told us he urged officials to follow
the investigation format found in the contingency plans for
their continuing efforts. Both FAO and WHO contacts praised
the GOB response to date - culling, quarantine, disinfection,

RANGOON 00000221 002.2 OF 002


surveillance, and investigation - and said it followed the
recommended plans faithfully.


7. (SBU) LBVD officials could not confirm or deny rumors of a
new outbreak in Rangoon, but acknowledged they were checking
into the situation.
VILLAROSA