Bird flu in Vietnam

The bird flu is a very common disease that is caused by avian influenza viruses. It does not naturally occur in humans, it is generated in birds. The bird flu is transmitted from birds to humans. Bird flu virus is naturally seen in wild birds. Wild birds carry this virus in their intestine. This virus is transmitted by these birds worldwide. Domesticated birds are commonly infected from the wild birds. There are many types and subtypes of avian influenza virus. In Asia particularly in Vietnam H5N1 type of bird flu virus is responsible for the bird flu outbreak. Symptoms of bird flu normally depend upon the type of virus that has caused the infection. Symptoms of bird flu in humans are very similar to the normal influenza symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. There are chances that even if you show these symptoms, you won't be having bird flu.

Situation in Vietnam

Situation in Vietnam is very bad. Vietnam remains the epicenter of the bird flu. It is at the high risk of encountering the bird flu. The risk is more because only 40 percent of ducks and 60 percent of chickens in the country's southern Mekong Delta have been provided with the vaccines. Many human deaths have occurred in Vietnam in past and there are chances of more in next several years. Health minister of Vietnam have himself admitted that bird flu cannot be controlled till 2007. Loosen control over slaughter, trade and transport of poultry and related products can again cause an outbreak of bird flu in Vietnam.

Steps taken by Vietnam to combat bird flu

Vietnam is very serious about bird flu virus. It has vaccinated almost 30 million chickens and 15 million ducks in 33 cities and provinces of Vietnam since late February 2006. These measures are very impressive considering Vietnam is a very poor country. Vietnam is declared as totally stamped out of bird flu disease. No person has been found infected since November 2005 and surprisingly no poultry outbreaks of bird flu since December 2005.