The death toll is high in Thing Hual, Tahtlang, Tikhuangtum, Tlangkhua, Thanzang villages in Thantlang Township. Locals in Thantlang said between 30 and 50 birds have died in each village.

Villagers have been unable to confirm what kind of disease is causing the deaths. Initially villagers thought the deaths were due to seasonal disease or bird flu.

Poultry deaths are not uncommon in Chin state for it happens every year. Therefore they thought it could be from a seasonal disease. But animal husbandry officials are concerned and have been unable to pin point the disease which is causing the deaths.

In the border areas of Chin state the price of chicken is Kyat 2,000 for a hen and Kyat 5,000 for a cock. Prices are likely to go up following the increasing deaths of the birds.

Chin people breed domestic animals like pigs and poultry as a part of their livelihood. With bird deaths mounting their earnings are likely to be affected.

The authorities are silent on the matter of bird deaths and are not involving its officials. On the other hand the villagers too have not bothered to inform the authorities.

“Even if we inform them, they will do nothing. Besides they already know about it,” said a villager in Thantlang.

Mizoram in India bordering Chin state has banned import of domestic animals and poultry from Myanmar after bird flu was detected in the neighbouring country. The Mizoram authorities have warned that action will be taken if the ban is flouted. – KNG.