Outbreaks of H5N6 avian influenza in Vietnam have been resolved, according to an October 22 report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The H5N6 strain of avian influenza was found for the first time in Vietnam as the OIE reported on August 12 that the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected on two farms as part of outbreak disease surveillance practices conducted by the country’s Department of Animal Health.
One outbreak led to the death of approximately 300 birds, while an estimated 700 additional birds on the premises were destroyed. At the other location, about 600 birds died and an additional 1,400 susceptible birds on the premises were destroyed.
In addition to stamping out the susceptible birds, other control measures were implemented by animal health officials. Those control measures included disinfecting the affected properties, screening, movement control inside the country and control of wildlife reservoirs. Samples taken from surrounding poultry flocks were taken and evaluated, with all of them testing negative for avian influenza.
While the origin of the Vietnam avian influenza outbreaks is still unknown, OIE considers the avian influenza cases to be resolved and stated that it will not issue any further reports on the matter.
