Since its emergence in early 2004, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) caused by H5N1 has caused global concern threatening both animal and human health. Viet Nam has been one of the countries worst affected with major impacts of the disease on poultry production, livelihoods and human health.
Viet Nam has made great progress in its fight against HPAI but the threat to human and poultry health continues with outbreaks confirmed in 18 provinces in 2009. Human fatalities have decreased from a high of 20 in 2004 to 5 in 2009; however there have already been two deaths from six cases in 2010.
As of 31 March 2010, 118 H5N1 human cases have been confirmed in Viet Nam of
which 60 have been fatal.
Initially large waves of infection occurred annually but these have now been replaced by an endemic disease pattern with lower numbers of sporadic outbreaks. Under these conditions disease control is precarious and on going control measures must continue or the disease will return aggressively. Control measures must continue to protect poultry health by continuing vaccination of high risk populations, reducing the risk of the current poultry production and marketing systems and the early identification and control of outbreaks.
Whilst good progress has been made, risks remain which threaten both Viet Nam and the wider region. Hard working veterinary services at all levels face fatigue, there is waning public concern for food safety relating to HPAI and a danger that Viet Nam could become a victim of reduced international funding to support the necessary on going measures required to improve control.
FAO maintains an up to date HPAI situation analysis of Viet Nam and feeds the global link for early warning system. The data maintained by FAO on spatial and temporal distribution of HPAI in Viet Nam is valued by donors, policy-makers and other agencies.