Vietnam intensifies fight against H5N1 avian influenza outbreak

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, seven outbreaks have been recorded in four provinces and cities. Authorities were forced to cull more than 24,600 birds to contain the spread. Officials warn that the risk of further outbreaks remains high, especially as current weather conditions favor the survival and transmission of the virus.

Officials warn that the risk of new outbreaks and further spread remains very high in the coming period, particularly as current weather conditions favor the survival and transmission of the virus.

In response, the ministry directed provincial and municipal governments to intensify disease prevention and control measures. These include stricter transport controls, vaccination drives, and comprehensive sanitation efforts.

March 2026: Nationwide sanitation campaign

Local authorities are required to implement the first ‘Nationwide Environmental Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sanitation Month’ in March 2026.

Commune-level teams will spray disinfectants in the following locations:

• Poultry farming households
• Markets selling live poultry and fresh poultry products
• Poultry collection and transit points
• Areas where outbreaks previously occurred
• Sites used for the disposal or burial of infected poultry

Disinfection must follow mechanical cleaning such as sweeping, washing, and clearing vegetation around farms.

Large-scale farms, hatcheries, and slaughterhouses are expected to allocate funds for regular sanitation under the supervision of specialized agencies and local authorities.

Urgent vaccination drive

The ministry has directed local authorities to review poultry populations and organize mass vaccination campaigns. Booster shots must be provided to flocks with expiring immunity. The goal is to ensure at least 80% of the national poultry population receives the correct vaccine.

Priority will be given to areas currently experiencing outbreaks, high-risk regions, and major poultry production zones.

Stricter quarantine and transport control

Alongside vaccination, local governments must strengthen quarantine measures and tighten transport controls for poultry and poultry products, particularly in border areas and informal crossings.

Poultry trading, transport, or slaughter that fails to meet disease prevention and food safety standards will face strict penalties.

Promoting biosecure farming practices

The ministry stressed the importance of maintaining a strong grassroots veterinary system and strengthening proactive, risk-based surveillance. These measures will help ensure outbreaks are detected and contained at the earliest stage.

Farmers are advised to:

• Strictly follow biosecurity farming practices
• Report immediately if poultry show unusual illness or sudden deaths
• Avoid concealing outbreaks or disposing of waste illegally
• Fully comply with vaccination procedures

Local authorities are also encouraged to continue developing disease-free poultry farming zones aligned with sector planning, environmental protection, and food safety requirements.

With H5N1 avian influenza still posing significant risks, authorities stress that vaccination, sanitation, and strict transport control remain the most important defenses to protect poultry flocks and stabilize production in 2026.