# 1766
While we haven't heard a lot out of Laos over the past month, we've had scattered reports of outbreaks of H5N1 among birds in Luang Namptha since early February. These outbreaks have now spread to three districts, and neighboring provinces are now worried that it may spread to them as well.
Last year, Laos reported 2 human cases of bird flu infection, with 2 fatalities. Thus far, there are no confirmed reports of infected humans from this latest outbreak, although 2 villagers are under observation.
In a attempt to quash the spread of the virus, the provincial governor has announced a total ban on the sale of poultry in Luang Namptha province for the next 30-45 days. Vehicles leaving the area are being sterilized, and checkpoints are being set up on international borders, to prevent poultry trade.
This from the Vientiane Times.
A hat tip to Mojo on the Wiki for this link.
Luang Namtha bans sale of poultry
By KHAMPHONE SYVONGXAY
(Latest Update March 10, 2008)
The Luang Namtha provincial governor has announced a total ban on the sale of poultry in the province, as well as prohibiting the purchase of poultry from neighbouring countries for the next 30-45 days, following four separate outbreaks of bird flu.
“If the provincial authorities do not detect the H5N1 virus during this period they will lift the ban,” the Deputy Head of the provincial Livestock and Fisheries Office, Ms Bouathong Inthongsay, told Vientiane Times last week.
She said that each section of the provincial Committee for Bird Flu Control had allocated staff to monitor the situation and take extra precautions in outbreak areas. They would set up checkpoints between villages to make sure there was no trade or movement of poultry either within the province or with other provinces.
The governor also announced the setting up of checkpoints on international borders, to maintain strict control, said Ms Bouathong.
Following the outbreaks in three districts, the neighbouring provinces of Oudomxay, Phongsaly and Bokeo are now vulnerable to infection.
Luang Namtha's highest risk district is considered to be Viengphoukha, as this surrounds the only road leading from the outbreak areas to the provincial capital and other provinces, she said.
The committee has organised staff to disinfect all vehicles using this road.
The provincial Public Health Department is distributing information to local communities about the bird flu virus, such as how it is transmitted, the risks it poses for animals and humans, and how people can prevent it spreading.
No humans have yet to contract the virus because most local residents understand the dangers and have cooperated with the authorities, said a departmental official, Mr Aae Mithda.
He said that two people had reported flu-like symptoms in Namlue village, the site of the fourth outbreak. They were undergoing tests but the results were not yet known. It was possible their illness might be just a common cold, although they had been in contact with poultry.
