Myanmar reports outbreaks of PRRS in Naypyidaw region

//28 Apr 2011
An outbreak of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) was reported in Naypyidaw District in early April, according to the Myanmar Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.

Independent press agency Mizzima News, ran by Myanmar journalists located in Thailand and India, report that the Naypyidaw District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department is educating the public about the disease, which causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in pigs.

On April 7, 100 pigs out of a total of more than 300 pigs at two pig farms in Pobba Thiri and Zabu Thiri townships in Naypyidaw were infected with the disease. Ten of them died. Four days later, the pigs were diagnosed with PRRS. Authorities say there is no treatment for the disease and no prophylaxis.

Naypyidaw
There are an estimated 100,000 pigs in the district around the country’s newly built capital city Naypyidaw, according to the Health Department. The new capital, is located 320 km north of the previous capital Rangoon.

Similarly, in March, the disease was reported in Aungmyetharsan, Chanayetharsan, Mahaaungmye, Chanmyatharsi, Pyigyitagun, Amarapura and Madaya in the Mandalay region, where more than 1,000 pigs died of the disease.

Dr Tun Myint Soe, the deputy head of the Amarapura Township Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, told Mizzima that, currently, there is no PRRS in Amarapura.

Amapura
"There is no spreading of PRRS in Amarapura. The spread of PRRS was stopped by the intense heat," he said. A veterinarian in Pyigyitagun Township told Mizzima that the disease is still spreading in small pig farms in some townships, including Myitnge, Sintkai, Myinchan, and Pyinoolwin in Mandalay region.

"At first, the disease was spread among small farms in urban areas," he said. "Later, the weather was colder. Now the new outbreak has occurred in suburban areas. The death rate is high."

Veterinary department
Earlier this month, the Mandalay Division Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department distributed insecticide and disinfectant to large pig farms and small scale domestic pig owners free of charge and provided bio-technology control methods during field trips to inspect farms.

The disease was first reported in February in the Mandalay area.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) earlier issued an emergency warning in Myanmar on the spread of PRRS.

Related website:
• Mizzima News