Dong Thap scrambles to contain H5N6 bird flu outbreak

Test results issued on October 23, 2026, by the National Centre for Veterinary Diagnosis II confirmed avian influenza A/H5N6 in poultry belonging to a household in Ba Lam village, Tan Phu Dong commune.

The flock comprised 562 birds, including 560 ducks and two chickens. Of the ducks, 167 contracted the disease, with 77 deaths. The reported onset of illness was between October 12 and 17.

By October 24, local authorities had culled 518 poultry, with a total weight of 844kg, and implemented disease-control measures in accordance with regulations.

Local authorities have directed relevant departments to disinfect poultry housing and surrounding areas, while stepping up public information campaigns to encourage residents to take preventive measures.

The commune’s health station has also sprayed disinfectant at the affected household and compiled a list of people who may have been exposed for health monitoring over 21 days from October 24. Residents have been advised to watch for unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop signs of suspected illness.

Avian influenza remains a concern for Vietnam’s poultry sector. By August 12, 2026, outbreaks had been reported in 18 of the country’s 34 provinces and centrally governed cities, resulting in more than 440,000 poultry dying or being culled, according to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine.

Localities have continued to report outbreaks in subsequent months, prompting renewed calls for vaccination, surveillance and stricter biosecurity measures.

In October, Hanoi reported H5N1 outbreaks in three communes, with 5,680 poultry culled as of October 16.

Dong Thap contains bird flu outbreak, no human infections reported

VOV.VN - Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap have successfully contained an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, with no additional infections detected in nearby poultry flocks or any human cases reported, local agricultural officials said on June 27.