February 17, 2006

Vietnam outlines vaccination plans for 2006

More than US$6 million will be spent on poultry vaccinations in 2006, according to Vietnam's National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control.

The committee is designing a nationwide vaccination plan for poultry scheduled to take place in two phases; the first will begin in April and May.

Provinces and cities will begin the third injection for chickens and ducks five months after the second injection, said the Head of the Veterinary Department Bui Quang Anh.

A representative of the Ministry of Finance said that 80 percent of the money requested for the vaccines would be provided immediately. Vietnam imports its vaccines mainly from China.

No new cases of bird flu have been reported in two months; but the bird-flu virus is still believed to be lurking around, especially in places hit by bird flu previously.