VietNamNet Bridge – The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho reported on March 13 that a new subtype of H5N1 avian influenza virus, 2.3.2.1C, has been discovered in some outbreaks in the locality.

Illustrative image. – File photo

Anti-bird flu efforts, therefore, are being challenged because vaccination is not effective for the new subtype, Nguyen Khai Dang, Deputy Director of the Department told a meeting with the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute.

Previously, only H5N1 virus subtype 1.1 was found in the city’s affected fowls.

The department warned that bird flu could spread far and wide amidst the harvest season, the time when breeders often let their ducks seek food on rice fields.

The department confirmed that the H7N9, H10N8 and H6N1 strands have yet been found in the locality.

It continues vaccinating poultry against H5N1 while selecting suitable vaccines to beat the new bird flu subtype and keeping an eye on the development of new poultry, especially in the areas once hit by the virus and vulnerable ones.

According to the Can Tho Veterinary Department, bird flu caused 14 outbreaks in seven communes with nearly 10,400 infected fowls.

Source: Vietnam Plus