Migratory birds are considered by scientists to be the culprits behind the spread of the H5N1 virus, which causes avian influenza. However, Vietnam currently lacks a vaccine for these birds. Tourist attractions that nurture rare bird species for conservation and to serve visitors are increasingly worried about the fate of their valuable bird populations.
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Installing nets to prevent birds from flying in and out at Saigon Zoo, Ho Chi Minh City |
Saigon Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City is currently caring for 300 wild birds, representing about 20 rare species. Some of these species, which hold significant conservation value, are at risk of extinction, such as the Siamese fireback, of which only 10 individuals remain globally, and the Red-crowned Crane, among others.
Suoi Tien Tourist Area is also home to approximately 500 birds across more than 20 rare species, including the Greater Adjutant, Black Kite, and Eagles. Some of these species are classified as critically endangered.
While the birds at Dam Sen Tourist Area may not hold as much scientific conservation value, they have significant economic importance, with over 80 species and several hundred individuals.
However, none of the birds at these locations have been vaccinated against H5N1, as there is currently no specific vaccine available for birds. If an avian influenza outbreak were to occur, losses could reach billions of Vietnamese dong.
“We have requested vaccines from the outbreak prevention committee, but the response has been that there is currently no vaccine available for birds,” shared Phan Viet Lam, Deputy Director of Saigon Zoo.
Huỳnh Hữu Lợi, Head of the Animal Health Department in Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged: “So far, successful trials of the H5N1 vaccine have only been conducted on two poultry species: chickens and ducks. There have been no trials on other species, so the vaccines for chickens and ducks cannot be applied to other birds, as each species has different characteristics.” Phạm Quang Thái, Director of Navetco – the company authorized to import H5N1 vaccines for poultry – also confirmed: “I have not heard of any place in the world that has an H5N1 vaccine for birds.”
The veterinary agency can only assist units that are nurturing rare bird species by advising them to install nets, isolate bird areas, carry out disinfection, limit visitor access, and conduct regular blood tests on the birds.
“Blood sampling for testing has been conducted since 2003, and the results have remained negative up to the most recent tests. Staff caring for the birds have also been vaccinated against influenza as recommended by the World Health Organization,” stated Huỳnh Đồng Tuấn, Deputy Director of Suoi Tien Tourist Area. However, according to Mr. Tuấn, the value of the bird population cannot be measured in monetary terms. In the worst-case scenario, if a disease is detected in the bird population, the tourist areas will still follow state regulations and proceed with culling the birds.
My Lan