Vietnam’s Dak Lak Province hit with H5N1 avian influenza

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Authorities in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam have confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Ea Knop Commune, Ea Kar District.

A household in Hamlet 14 of Ea Knop commune, had been raising 2000 chickens. On June 15, the family sold 1700 healthy chickens aged 130 days. Another 200 chickens were sold five days later to a duck transport vehicle of unknown origin.

By July 10, the remaining 100 chickens began showing symptoms including pale combs, yellow watery droppings, and sporadic deaths.

Lab tests confirmed the presence of H5N1. Upon receiving the results, the family culled all the sick and dead chickens.

Disposal followed regulations, with the burial pit located 300m from the coop in a dry area. Chickens were burned and buried, then covered with lime, while the coop was disinfected with lime and chemical sprays.

Containment and monitoring efforts

Upon receiving the report, Ea Kar District’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station coordinated with Ea Knop commune authorities to inspect and monitor the outbreak.

The inspection revealed that the family’s chickens had not been vaccinated against avian influenza.

The Dak Lak CDC collects samples from family members of the affected farm. Photo: Lao Dong

To assess possible human transmission, the Dak Lak Center for Disease Control (CDC) collected sample from the household’s members. Authorities also prohibited the household from restocking poultry for 45 days.

To prevent further disease spread, the Veterinary Station advised the communal People’s Committee to evaluate the number of poultry-raising households and total poultry in Hamlet 14.

It also urged local authorities to raise public awareness and encourage poultry owners to vaccinate their flocks.