The Myanmar livestock authorities on Mar. 27 confirmed bird flu outbreaks in five townships in Yangon.

According to a statement by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD), the five townships infected by the deadly virus are Mayangon, Hlaingtharya, North Okkalapa , Mingaladon and Hmawby.

Poultry, quails and pheasants in the affected areas and nearby areas were culled.

The local authorities have taken other preventive measures, warning breeders and those engaged in poultry marketing to use new farm equipment instead of the old ones. Farmers are also encouraged to prevent crows from entering their poultry farms.

Suspicious avian influenza was first detected in Myanmar on Feb. 27. In the outbreak, 1,863 fowls died and 37,883 others culled.