Hanoi (VNA) – A new outbreak of avian influenza A/H5N1 wasreported in the southern province of Vinh Long on April 15, bringing the numberof outbreaks in the country within the past 21 days to four, the Animal HealthDepartment said on April 18.
Two A/H5N6 outbreaks also occurred during the past three weeks.
The department warned of high risks that avian influenza will spread,and several virus strains so far not seen in Vietnam such as A/H7N9, A/H5N2 andAH5N8 may enter the country through the illegal transport and trade of poultryand poultry products of obscure origin, especially in the northern borderareas.
Therefore, the agency urged authorities in all localities to remainvigilant for avian influenza at all time and tighten the fight against poultrysmuggling.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recently launcheda national avian influenza monitoring programme.-VNA