Urgent measures to prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza

Detection of the outbreak and high risk of spread

The Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services conducted inspections and detected that poultry from four farms tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Specifically, in Bac Ninh Hoa Commune, two outbreaks were recorded at the households of Mr. Ho Tan Dac (Lac Binh Hamlet) and Ms. Le Thi Hoai Tam (Lac Hoa Hamlet).

At Mr. Dac’s household, the flock initially had 340 pheasants and 400 chickens, many of which had died. At the time of inspection, only six chickens remained, showing symptoms of infectious disease. Ms. Tam’s household had a total of 160 chickens, with 13 already dead. Meanwhile, in Dien Khanh Commune, two additional outbreaks were detected at the households of Mr. Nguyen Viet Minh (An Ninh Hamlet), with a total of 150 chickens, and Ms. Kieu Gia Hien (Phu An Nam 3 Hamlet), with 700 chickens, of which 10 had died. Test results from the Central Veterinary Diagnosis and Testing Center II on October 1, 2025, confirmed that all samples were positive for the H5N1 virus.

On September 30, the Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, in coordination with the People’s Committees of Dien Khanh and Bac Ninh Hoa communes, organized the destruction of infected chickens from the four farms and carried out disinfection by spraying chemicals and spreading lime powder across all breeding areas and surrounding zones.

According to leaders of the Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, preliminary epidemiological investigations suggest that the outbreaks may have resulted from farmers not vaccinating against avian influenza, combined with the transportation of feed and trade of poultry carrying pathogens into the farms.

The Sub-Department has directed local authorities and regional veterinary stations to urgently implement disease control measures in accordance with directives from the Prime Minister and the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee.

It has also required veterinary stations to strengthen inspections and closely monitor the disease situation, particularly in high-risk areas, to promptly detect and eliminate new outbreaks. Local authorities are instructed to strictly handle cases of concealing outbreaks, failing to report sick animals, and transporting or trading poultry and poultry products of unclear origin.

The Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services assessed that the risk of disease spread in the coming period is very high. Contributing factors include extreme weather reducing poultry immunity, limited conditions in smallholder farming, a high circulation rate of avian influenza A/H5 viruses, and the confirmed presence of the virus in Dien Khanh and Bac Ninh Hoa.

Nationwide, the avian influenza situation remains complicated. From the beginning of the year to October 1, 2025, 21 H5N1 outbreaks have been detected in 10 provinces and cities, with over 46,000 poultry dead or culled.

Tightening vaccination and transport control

To proactively contain the outbreak, the Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch No. 4652/SNNMT-CCTY on October 2, 2025, directing commune People’s Committees and relevant agencies to strictly implement the instructions of the Prime Minister and the Provincial People’s Committee.

Localities' key tasks are to mobilize forces to rapidly cull infected flocks, disinfect poultry houses and surrounding areas, and organize vaccination against avian influenza to ensure a coverage rate of over 80% of the total poultry population.

Local authorities must strengthen disease surveillance, collect samples for testing to detect and promptly handle any new outbreaks, and closely monitor the transport, trade, and slaughter of poultry in their areas. Violations such as concealing outbreaks, failing to report suspected cases, or discarding dead poultry improperly will be strictly handled.

The provincial Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has also been assigned to distribute disinfectant chemicals from the province’s emergency reserves to affected areas for outbreak sterilization.

To prevent transmission to humans, the Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment has requested the Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) to guide, inspect, and monitor avian influenza prevention in humans and coordinate closely with veterinary authorities.

Farmers are urged to enhance poultry care, maintain hygiene in farms, apply biosecurity measures, and fully vaccinate their flocks, especially with avian influenza vaccines. Consumers are advised to ensure that poultry meat is thoroughly cooked, avoid consuming raw poultry blood (tiet canh), and refrain from using poultry or poultry products of unclear origin.