November 05, 2008 12:51 PM

Laos Reported Fresh Bird Flu Outbreak

VIENTIANE, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Lao authorities have confirmed a bird flu outbreak in Donngeun village in Laos' northwestern province of Xayaboury that shares a border with Thailand, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

The Xayaboury provincial Avian Influenza Control Committee on Monday (Nov 3) declared a red zone which covers areas within a 1km radius of the outbreak.

All birds in the area will be destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading.

A yellow zone will be established to include villages that are outside the red zone, but within 5km of the outbreak. Villagers in these areas will be advised to destroy birds at the first sign of illness, without waiting to have them tested for the virus.

Bird flu outbreaks have occurred in Laos since 2004. The most serious outbreak occurred in 2007 when two human fatalities were confirmed. In September this year, the country reported bird flu in Nambak district of Luang Prabang province.

-- BERNAMA

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