(Date of previous outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Vietnam reported to the OIE: August 2006).

Immediate notification report

Information received on 19 December 2006 from Dr Bui Quang Anh, Director, Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi:

Report date: 19 December 2006.

Reason for immediate notification: re-occurrence of a listed disease or infection in a country or zone/compartment following a report declaring the outbreak(s) ended.

Identification of agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type H5N1.

Date of first confirmation of the event: 19 December 2006.

Date of start of the event: 6 December 2006.

Clinical disease: yes.

Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.

Description of the outbreaks:

Affected population:

- outbreak in Vinh Binh: unvaccinated one-month-old ducks;

- outbreak in Rach Lum B: unvaccinated chickens and ducks older than one month.

Diagnosis:

Source of outbreaks or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive.

Control measures

A. Undertaken:

- modified stamping out;

- quarantine;

- movement control inside the country;

- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s).

B. To be undertaken:

- control of wildlife reservoirs;

- screening;

- zoning;

- vaccination.

Treatment of affected animals: no

Vaccination prohibited: no

Final report: no.

(1) real-time RT-PCR: real-time reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction