Bird flu has spread its wings in the Mekong Delta Province of Dong Thap, said an official from the Department of Animal Health on May 23.

Vets vaccinate poultry to prevent bird flu

Avian flu broke out at a farm in Thap Muoi District killing 1,600 ducks aged 1 month. Tests carried out on some of the birds showed them to be positive for the H5N1 virus.

Two hundred and ninety six unvaccinated waterfowl, aged 60 days old, were also found to have died of the virus in the Northern Province of Quang Ninh.

In related news, according to doctors at the Ha Noi-based Bach Mai Hospital, the condition of a 30-year-old man from Vinh Phuc Province who it is believed may have contracted A type flu as a result of contact with the bird flu virus, has improved.

Also in related news, the Department of Animal Health said that 48 out of the country’s 64 provinces have nearly completed the first of two poultry-vaccination campaigns to be carried out this year.

As a result some 120 million poultry have received two vaccinations. Two more will be given in the next round later this year.

Dr. Cao Minh Quang, Deputy Minister of Health, said Taminflu still plays a key role in preventing and treating bird flu in Viet Nam, “We have stockpiled enough Taminflu to deal with any situation that may arise.”