Hanoi (VNA) – Outbreaks of A/H5N1and A/H5N6 avian influenza, which is transmittable to humans, have beenreported in 13 communes of 11 localities nationwide from the start of 2019, accordingto the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

More than 23,000 fowl were culled in theperiod.

The flu is forecast to widely spread in theremaining months because of changing weather and surging poultry transportationin time ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Therefore, localities across the countryare asked to carry out measures to prevent the spread of the flu in line withthe Law on Animal Health, and create optimal conditions for poultry farming ina bid to make up for the decrease in pork production caused by the Africanswine fever.

They are also instructed to devise plansand mobilise forces to prevent the disease, spray chemicals in high-risklocalities and keep a close watch on the growth of local poultry, especially inpreviously-affected areas.

Vietnam first detected the avian flu virusA/H5N1 in December 2003 on both human and poultry. Several new strains of thevirus, such as A/H7N9, A/H5N2 and A/H5N8, could enter the country throughtransportation, business and consumption of illegally imported poultry productsof unclear origins, especially in the northern border provinces.-VNA