AVIAN influenza, caused by the H5N1 virus, began spreading globally in 2008. The virus initially spread among animals and then to humans who came into contact with infected animals. Severe cases of avian influenza can be fatal.

In early October, Vietnamese state media reported that dozens of tigers died in southern Vietnam zoos following a bird flu outbreak. Since August, 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther have succumbed to the H5N1 virus at Vuon Xoai Zoo near Ho Chi Minh City and My Quynh Safari Park in Long An province. No human infections were reported.

In 1997, as bird flu claimed lives in Hong Kong, approximately 1.5 million chickens were culled to prevent an outbreak in the region. In early 2004, a significant bird flu outbreak occurred in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, leading to the deaths of 21 people. According to surveys, between 2003 and 2024, a total of 889 people across 23 countries were infected by the H5N1 virus. Of these, 463 died, representing 52 per cent of those infected, as reported by the World Health Organization.

Currently, people worldwide are facing outbreaks of infectious diseases. Of these, 75 per cent of the diseases that have emerged globally in the past two decades were zoonotic, meaning they were transmitted from animals to humans. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to separate animal health from human health due to the unexpected rise in infectious diseases.

Biosecurity is crucial in poultry farming. Farmers must follow animal health protocols from relevant authorities to protect both their animals and themselves from dangerous viruses. By prioritizing biosecurity for chickens, ducks, quails, and other livestock, farmers can safeguard their animals and their own health.

The Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary in Myanmar has issued guidelines for operating animal farms. Farmers and farm workers must wash their hands with soap after working with chickens, ducks, and quails. Additionally, people should thoroughly cook meat and eggs to ensure they are safe for consumption. Following these practices can help prevent bird flu infections in daily life. 

Practising personal hygiene and keeping poultry farms neat and tidy are crucial to preventing bird flu and cutting the chain of infection in the community. Local authorities have to take preventive measures whenever they receive information about bird flu from all over the world and warn the breeders of bird flu infection in time.