NEW AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY IN BURMA,S MON STATE

UNCLAS RANGOON 000689 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 POULTRY IN BURMA,S MON STATE REF: RANGOON 551 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Based on both Rapid Test Kit results and PCR tests, the Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) confirmed on July 26 a new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza on two farms in Mon State. More than 600 chickens died and the remaining 312 were culled. The municipal government quarantined the farms, establishing a restricted zone of one kilometer radius and a control zone of three kilometers radius. The GOB has also restricted the movement of poultry within the area and notified the OIE of this outbreak. Officials have not yet determined the source of the virus and do not suspect any human cases. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On July 27, LBVD officials informed us, as well as FAO and WHO representatives and the OIE, that between July 19 and July 25, 638 chickens died on two private farms in Thanbyuzayat Township in Mon State. Thanbyuzayat is located about 40 miles south of the provincial capital of Moulmein (Mawlamyine) on the main railway and highway to the south. Conducting preliminary tests with a Rapid Test Kit on July 24, LBVD officials found the dead birds to be Type A positive for AI. LBVD performed further PCR tests and on July 26 confirmed that the birds were infected with H5N1. ¶3. (SBU) Per GOB AI procedures, LBVD implemented biosecurity measures, culling the remaining 312 chickens and decontaminating the farms on July 25. The municipal government, assisted by the Myanmar Livestock Federation, quarantined the two infected farms, imposing a restricted zone within one kilometer radius of the farms. The GOB also established a control zone of within three kilometers, prohibiting the movement of poultry products. Authorities are also monitoring the health of humans and poultry in the restricted area. LBVD officials believe that the disease is contained, but an LBVD investigation team, joined by FAO Representative Dr. Tang Zhengpin and FAO consultant on AI Dr. Tin Aye Kyi, went to Mon State on July 27 to follow up. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: The GOB continues to share information promptly about AI outbreaks and subsequent GOB actions with us and UN agencies. The GOB's lack of strong epidemiology and inadequate lab technician capacity remain concerns, and the Ministry of Health and LBVD have indicated they welcome more help in those areas. We will take advantage of a visit by USAID Bangkok Infectious Diseases Team Leader Dr. John MacArthur to meet with LBVD, WHO, FAO and others to discuss the most recent outbreak and the GOB response. End Comment. STOLTZ