February 27, 2014

Vietnam reports four new outbreaks of bird flu

Vietnamese veterinary authority reported four new outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)  to the World Organisation for Animal Health on February 25.

The first report outlined three outbreaks of HPAI in the provinces of Phu Tho, Tra Vinh and Vinh Dinh, all starting either on February 22 or 23. All are described as 'village birds'. In total, 2,953 birds were affected, all of which showed symptoms; 2,403 died and the rest were destroyed.

The second report described an outbreak in 2,000 village poultry in the province of Bac Lieu in the far south of the country, starting on February 24. Around half the birds died and the rest have been destroyed.

The presence of the H5N1 sub-type of the bird flu virus has been confirmed at each location.