March 25, 2008

Vietnam's confiscated chicken in northern area positive of bird flu

Vietnam authorities reported that 24 out of 104 samples of illegally imported chickens confiscated since February tested positive for bird flu virus, Lang Son Animal Health Department reported.

Most of the confiscated chickens come from northern Lang Son Province's Trang Dinh and Loc Binh districts and in Lang Son City.

The province has seized and destroyed over 60 tonnes of non-quarantined chickens since the beginning of the year.

However, authorities pointed that the seized number was too little compared to the bulk of the illegally imported chickens that had been successfully transported and consumed through the province.

In response to the reports, the local Animal Health Department immediately vaccinated poultry in its bordering communities.

Southern Ca Mau Province also confirmed recently bird flu outbreaks after the virus killed 30 muscovy ducks on a farm in Hiep Tung Commune, Nam Can District, listing it as the eighth province on Vietnam's current bird flu-hit list.

One day earlier, central Quang Nam Province had reported fresh outbreaks on duck farms in Tam Ky and Nui Thanh districts, the Vietnam Animal Health Department said.