Situation update on avian influenza and prevention activities directed by MARD and MOH

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of October 2015, there have been a number of influenza outbreaks in Asian countries such as China, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, etc. In China, several influenza cases in humans of influenza A/H5N6, H5N1 and H7N9 have been detected during the previous months. This has led to increased concern about the potential spread of disease to Viet Nam, especially given the favourable weather conditions for the development of the virus, and the increased demand for meat for the upcoming lunar new year period.  

Despite the fact that there have been no cases of human influenza attributed to these novel strains recorded in Viet Nam in 2015, numerous avian influenza (A/H5N1 and H5N6) outbreaks have been reported in poultry farms over the country. In order to cope with the new situation, Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Ministry of Health (MOH) have provided timely guidance for disease prevention and response. Official Telegraph No. 8385/ CĐ-BNN-TY dated 12/10/2015 issued by MARD to Provincial People’s Committees on strengthening prevention and response of animal diseases stressed the importance of collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other agencies in each province/city. Accordingly, enhanced supervision and surveillance of outbreaks, strict control of poultry trade across the border and active communication on the disease situation in the community are fundamental to prevent avian influenza outbreaks and transmission to humans.

Map of situation update on avian influenza in Southeast Asia from July – October 2015 (Source: FAO)