March 12, 2004

Vietnam See End Of Bird Flu This Month

Vietnam is hoping to declare itself free from bird flu by the end of the month.

The virus has affected 57 out of the country's 64 provinces and cities and has killed 15 people.

It has also led to the death or slaughter of more than 15 per cent or 38 million birds.

Authorities in Hanoi say that affected localities can declare themselves free of the disease if they have no new infections after 30 days and if they meet strict disinfection and hygiene conditions. 

The United Nations has warned countries affected by bird flu that they should not start building up poultry flocks too soon, or they could trigger a resurgence of the devastating epidemic.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation says appropriate precautionary measures are needed to be absolutely sure that infected zones, now apparently free of the disease, remain free.

The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has affected eight Asian countries, killing 22 people.

Pakistan and Taiwan, as well as parts of the United States and Canada have reported less virulent strains of the disease.

At least 100 million chickens and ducks have been culled.

The UN has listed a series of measures that affected countries should take before re-stocking.

It has also warned governments that they will have to prove the disease has been eradicated before they can resume poultry exports.