October 6, 2006

Vietnam to import 6 million doses of H5N9 vaccine

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam will import 6 million doses of H5N9 vaccine to immunise geese against avian influenza. 

This was revealed by Head of the Veterinary Department Bui Quang Anh at the anti-avian influenza National Steering Committee's meeting in Hanoi last October 3.

However, participants in the meeting expressed doubt on the government's capacity to vaccinate the number of geese in the country which is estimated to reach 10 million, raised mostly in backyards.

According to the Veterinary Department, 37 localities have completed the second round of vaccination against avian influenza for 64.5 million birds this year.

Bui Quang Anh warned that the bird flu outbreak is likely to occur in October so prevention work across the country needs to be intensified.

Head of the Animal Husbandry Department Nguyen Dang Vang said a possible surge in demand for poultry products in the coming months can trigger the reoccurrence of bird flu.