The outbreak, of the H5N6 strain, was found on a farm in the area of Xayabury, to the north of the country on the border with Thailand.

Laos is situated next to Viet Nam on the other side, where there have been many outbreaks of avian flu recently. The source of the current outbreak is unknown.

According to OIE figures, the country has not reported any other avian flu outbreaks this year, although there was one low pathogenic and one highly pathogenic outbreak last year.

There were 314 deaths from the disease, and another 220 birds were destroyed.

Disinfection, stamping out and movement controls are all being used to control the disease, and screening measures are also being introduced.

Further Reading

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