Avian Influenza

Date: May 25, 2007

Avian Influenza Outbreak -- May 22-23

A new avian influenza outbreak has been reported among poultry at an isolated Insein Township, Rangoon, farm owned and operated by the Burmese military. No human infections have been reported. This outbreak occurred May 22-23, when over 400 chickens were found dead. Testing by Burma’s Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department has confirmed that the birds died of avian influenza. Similar to previous outbreaks, Burmese officials destroyed the remaining poultry at the affected farm and disinfected the premises. The Embassy continues to work closely with Burmese authorities and locally-based international health organizations to monitor events and will share information with the American community as it becomes available.

We remind all American citizens of previous recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  You should avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds, and avoid visiting commercial or backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets.  You can also minimize risk by practicing safe handling procedures for all poultry products, including thoroughly cooking food and decontaminating cutting boards and kitchen utensils.  Well-cooked eggs and poultry products are safe to consume (temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius kill the virus).  You should also be cautious about consuming salad dressings and sauces that contain raw egg products.

Current information about avian influenza A (H5N1) and pandemic influenza can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
http://www.who.int
http://www.pandemicflu.gov

For additional information on avian influenza as it affects American citizens residing abroad, see the U.S. Department of State’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s internet website where the current Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and Consular Information Sheets can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S.and Canada or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday except U.S. federal holidays.

The Embassy encourages Americans in Burma, including short-term visitors, to register with the U. S Embassy in Burma through the State Department’s travel registration website and obtain updated information on travel and security within Burma. Registration may be done on-line at http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The Consular section telephone number is (95-1) 250-240, fax (95-1) 250-642, email consularrangoo@state.gov, website http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965. The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays and Burmese holidays).