March 7, 2013

Vietnam is facing an increased risk of bird flu outbreaks in the country as unfavourable weather conditions affect animals' resistance to the disease, according to the Animal Health Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The bird flu disease has recurred in five provinces of northern Dien Bien, central Khanh Hoa, and southern Kien Giang, Hau Giang and Tay Ninh, where more than 14,000 chickens and ducks were culled.

The disease also re-occurred in the Tay Ninh border province, where reports originated about bird flu affecting human beings.

The disease may reappear in those areas, as the virus continue to exist in poultry flocks, said the report.

MARD minister, Cao Duc Phat, has instructed ministries and agencies nationwide to strengthen the prevention and fight against the disease.

Areas sharing borders with Cambodia are advised to prevent any transport of poultry into the country.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has claimed 61 lives in Vietnam since 2003, with most deaths reported in 2003 and 2004, according to the World Health Organisation's latest report.