January 28, 2010
Bird flu strikes southern Vietnam
About 4,000 birds were recently culled in Vietnam to contain the spread of avian influenza AH5N1.
The outbreaks have occurred in two separate provinces, one in the further south and one in north-central Vietnam. Authorities said that most of the affected birds had not been vaccinated. However, they are working to vaccinate other bird flocks.
The current migration of wild birds could worsen the situation, said Diep Kinh Tan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
A duck farmer has been tested positive for AH5N1 and other poultry farmers with culled flocks are under medical observation, according to a hospital official. Checkpoints have been established in the affected provinces to prevent the movement and sale of contaminated poultry.
