Test results from samples of poultry that died in Binh Thanh Tay Commune (Binh Son District) have confirmed the presence of H5N1.
According to the Quang Ngai Provincial Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Prevention, six communes in the districts of Binh Son, Son Tinh, Tu Nghia, Mo Duc, and Nghia Hanh have reported mass poultry deaths. Among these, the samples from the poultry in Binh Thanh Tay Commune tested positive for H5N1. However, the samples from ducks that died in Tinh Tho hamlet (Son Tinh District) tested negative.
Recently, in Hanh Thien Commune (Nghia Hanh), 12 households raising ducks with over 24,000 birds have also experienced mass duck deaths. Mr. Vo Buoi from Vạn Trung 1 hamlet raised 2,500 ducks, and starting from November 20, the ducks began to die. He buried the dead ducks in a hole he dug himself in the field. By November 22, about 700 of his ducks had died, prompting him to finally report to local authorities.
Many flocks of ducks are still being allowed to roam freely in the fields of Hanh Thien Commune
despite the recent occurrences of mass duck deaths.
Upon receiving the report, the Nghia Hanh District Veterinary Station sent officials to the scene to work with local authorities to cull Mr. Buoi’s entire flock, and they disinfected the area where the poultry died. The Quang Ngai Animal Health Department collected samples from six ducks for testing. By the night of November 22, Mr. Nguyen Thong’s flock in Vạn Xuân 2 hamlet also lost over 80 ducks, with another 20 dying the next morning!
Although test results are not yet available, the mass deaths of nearly 1,000 ducks in Hanh Thien Commune in recent days strongly suggest that the poultry in this area may be affected by the disease. Therefore, prompt implementation of measures to prevent the disease from spreading is an urgent task for local authorities and relevant departments in Nghia Hanh District.
The People’s Committee of Hanh Thien Commune has issued a ban on free-range poultry to limit the spread of the disease, yet many flocks of ducks are still allowed to roam the fields in search of food. Duck farmers are facing difficulties as they cannot sell their ducks or eggs, and their savings have run out. They are aware of the dangers posed by avian influenza; letting the ducks roam could lead to disease, but confining them leaves them uncertain about feeding them, and there is no government support for culling. Consequently, dead ducks are scattered across the fields, with some dying while still eating. Owners are picking up the dead and burying them on-site!
Currently, in localities experiencing mass poultry deaths but without test results, the Quang Ngai Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Prevention is guiding the organization of cleaning and disinfection throughout the affected areas. Vaccination efforts for poultry are also being expedited. Son Tinh is the first district in Quang Ngai Province to complete poultry vaccination.
The Quang Ngai Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Prevention also advises residents in affected areas to cull their poultry, whether they are sick or not. This is widely recognized as a necessary measure to protect public health under current circumstances. However, due to the substantial losses, residents are eagerly awaiting government support to mitigate some of the damages caused by the outbreak.
Hai Chau
