Check on Chinese chickens

Authorities in Muse township on the China-Myanmar border have been carefully inspecting the incoming chickens from China to ensure there is no outbreak of H7N9 bird flu in Myanmar, according to the epidemiology section of the Myanmar Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD). 

In case of any occurrence of abnormal chicken deaths later, the health authorities have prepared inspection and control systems.

An official from the LBVD’s epidemiology section said: “Chicken and chicken products are allowed to be traded within the country with hygiene certificates. 

“The epidemiology section is also [monitoring] the disease’s progress and looking out for potential cases.” 

Myanmar found a recurrence of H5N1 infections last year but authorities were able to control it. 

Signs of abnormal chicken deaths include many chickens in poultry farms dying simultaneously due to avian influenza, “crooked neck” ailments or due to sudden high 

temperatures. 

Various birds within poultry farms, including chicken, ducks and Muscovy ducks, can be infected when hibernating birds or other wild birds enter the farms, carrying the viruses. The H5N1 virus contaminated battery cages, poultry syringes and chicken feeds, passing on the infection to chickens. Hibernating birds usually come to the farms when the season changes from winter to summer.

H7N9 is a new serotype of the avian influenza A virus. Chinese state-owned media have confirmed 17 human deaths from H7N9 infection.