Fisheries experts see the prevention of fish disease as essential to maintaining the strength of the country’s fish market.

THE Myanmar Fisheries Federation is planning to establish a group to focus on preventing fish diseases with the aim of responding quickly in the event of a virus outbreak.

“Diseases occur not only in birds but also in fish, and nobody can say when a deadly outbreak will occur,” said Myanmar Fish Farmers Association chairman U Than Lwin. “Preparation for prevention is important.”

The federation was impressed with efforts by the Myanmar Livestock Federation to report Myanmar’s first outbreak of bird flu in March to the government and international aid organisations, and to participate in subsequent efforts to control the outbreak.

U Than Lwin said the federation would set another good example by organising the fish disease control group to prepare for possible virus outbreaks.

He said the Myanmar Fisheries Federation will consult with the Myanmar Livestock Federation in establishing the group.

Department of Fisheries director general U Than Htun said experts from the department would cooperate with the fish disease control group in field and surveillance activities in the event of a disease outbreak.

Meanwhile, a group of fish disease experts from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University will visit Yangon on mid-May, said Dr Myint Shwe, an associate secretary of the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association.

The group, which will include four experts and four businessmen, will hold a two-day seminar at the Myanmar Fisheries Federation to share their knowledge about fish diseases, he said.