H5N1 virus resurfaces in Vientiane

Laos News Agency (KPL) 
2/19/2007


Ban Dongsavath in Sisattanak district was announced infected H5N1 after the latest test in Vietnam’s lab confirmed the sample positive.

After being proved infected deadly virus H5N1 by local experts, the sample was reaffirmed by laboryatoury test in the neighbouring country.

On last Thursday, Vientiane Mayor announced that nine villages and two markets adjacent to the site of the outbreak were now under surveillance for further outbreak. While prohibit was made to the transport of poultry products within the surveillance zone. The consumption of poultry dried from uncommon causes in the infected areas is also prohibited.

Other nine villages were classified as yellow zone. These are Phonpapao Thong, Phonthan Tai, Sanvuey, Done Koy, Noyxiengda, Nonvay, Khamsavath, Nonkhor, and Huakhua, along with Talatnoy market in Huakhua and night market in Thatluang in Xaysettha district.

The government has already ordered officials and local authorities at all levels to monitor poultry in the areas. The locals are urged to tell authorities if their poultry die in large amount and uncommon circumstances.

When the first outbreak of avian flu occurred in 2004, the government slaughtered tens of thousands of poultry in Vientiane, Savannakhet and the southern province Champassak.