NEW AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY IN BURMA'S BAGO DIVISION

UNCLAS RANGOON 000702 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 BAGO DIVISION REF: A. A) RANGOON 689 ¶B. B) RANGOON 551 ¶1. (SBU) On August 1, Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department confirmed that between July 26 and July 30, 37 chickens died on a private farm in Letpadan Township in Thayawaddy District of Bago Division. Letpadan Township is located 160 kilometers north of Rangoon on the highway to Pyay (Prome). Local LBVD officials conducted tests with Rapid Test Kits on July 30 and found the dead birds to be Type A positive for AI. Officials performed further PCR tests, verifying on July 31 that the birds were infected with H5N1. This is the second case of AI in Bago Division this year, the last case occurring on a military-owned poultry farm in early June (ref B). ¶2. (SBU) LBVD officials informed us that local officials implemented GOB AI biosecurity measures, culling the remaining 3,763 chickens and decontaminating the farm on July ¶30. Authorities quarantined the farm, imposing a restricted zone within a one kilometer radius and a control zone of three kilometers. Unlike in June, the local government has also prohibited the movement of poultry and poultry products within the township. Officials continue to monitor the health of humans and poultry in the restricted area. LBVD believes that the disease is contained, and LBVD Director General U Maung Maung Nyunt met with township authorities to discuss a work plan for the prevention of the spread of AI. ¶3. (SBU) Officials have not yet determined the source of the virus and do not suspect any human cases. STOLTZ