VOV.VN - An outbreak of A/H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, forcing local veterinary workers to cull 1,500 infected chickens.

An outbreak of A/H5N1 flu is detected in a breeding farm in Binh Thuy district.
(Photo: Nong Nghiep Vietnam newspaper) 

According to Pham Truong Yen, deputy director of the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the outbreak of A/H5N1 flu was first detected in a poultry breeding farm belonging to a household in Long Hoa ward of Binh Thuy district in Can Tho City. 

Upon  receiving notification of the outbreak, local veterinary workers took samples from the contaminated breeding farm with the results testing positive for the A/H5N1 virus. 

The provincial animal health and husbandry sub-department then culled the flock of 1,500 infected chickens in line with current regulations before spraying disinfectants through neighbouring areas in a bid to prevent the further spread of the epidemic. 

Mr Yen said that poultry flocks in the areas close to the outbreak have been vaccinated right after the outbreak was discovered. In addition, local authorities also instructed the provincial animal health and husbandry sub-department, and people’s committee at grassroots levels to strengthen control over the transportation, trading, and slaughter of poultry across the region. 

Residents have been advised to inform the relevant units if they discover any abnormal symptoms occurring in their poultry flocks in order to take timely action.