January 11, 2007

Vietnam sends poultry samples abroad for study

Vietnam has sent 14 poultry samples abroad for further study by foreign experts although there have been no signs of gene transformation of virus H5N1, reports the Vietnam News Agency.

Bui Quang Anh, head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry's Veterinary Department said the sending the samples is necessary as bird flu situation in the country is becoming more complicated.

If no drastic measures are to be taken, bird flu will wreak havoc nationwide, Quang Anh warned.

Of random poultry serum samples collected in the Mekong Delta provinces, four from Bac Lieu and 33 unvaccinated ones from Dong Thap province have been tested positive to bird flu virus strain H5N1.

Tested serum samples of ducks and white-winged ducks in northern provinces of Ninh Binh, Ha Nam and Vinh Phuc also gave the same results.

As of January 10, Vietnam has bird flu outbreaks in 42 communities and 17 district wards in Mekong Delta provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang and Kien Giang