January 17, 2005

Vietnam Sees Bird Flu Spread To 18 Provinces

Bird flu has hit 18 Vietnamese provinces and cities, killing and leading to the forced culling of around 234,000 fowls since January 1.

Vietnam has detected six human cases of bird flu infection since the latest outbreak, with five deaths reported, said the Health Ministry's report on Monday.

The disease has been detected in 112 communes of the localities, mostly in the southern region. All the patients had direct and indirect contacts with sick poultry, said the report.

The country is considering the possibility of vaccinating fowls, and is researching the use of vaccine for persons. In the first quarter of this year, the National Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute will use bird flu vaccines on monkeys, chickens and mice on trial basis.

Vietnam is also taking urgent measures to contain bird flu outbreaks and minimize human losses, while monitoring the transport and trade of fowls more closely and intensifying publicity about the disease.

In late March 2004, Vietnam declared an end to the bird flu outbreak which started in December 2003 and led to the forced culling and slaughter of 17 percent of its poultry population or 43.2 million fowls.

The disease has so far claimed 25 lives in the country.