BURMA AI UPDATE: NEW POULTRY OUTBREAK

UNCLAS RANGOON 000274 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 UPDATE: NEW POULTRY OUTBREAK REF: RANGOON 272 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The GOB today reported a new outbreak of AI in Rangoon. Officials said that 500 chickens, 57 pheasants and 50 quails died at three different farms on March 10-11. Officials culled all remaining poultry at the affected farms on March 12. Rapid Test Kits showed positive results for Influenza Type A. PCR test results are pending. Authorities have reported no suspected human cases. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) reported poultry deaths on commercial farms in three Rangoon townships March 10-11. In Mingaladon Township, 60 quail died, and the remaining 2240 were destroyed. In North Okkalapa, 66 guinea fowl died, and officials destroyed 54. In Hlaing Thaya, 500 chickens died and officials culled 600. All culling was completed on March 12. ¶3. (SBU) The Director General of LBVD returned to Rangoon from Nay Pyi Taw on March 13. PCR test results are expected by March 15. Authorities have imposed a restricted zone within one kilometer radius of the farms and a control zone within seven kilometers, prohibiting the movement of poultry products and monitoring the health of humans and poultry in the zones. Officials continue to share information with us on their response to the outbreak. VILLAROSA