Information received on 24 December 2004 from Dr Bui Quang Anh, Director, Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi:

End of previous report period: 24 November 2004 (see Disease Information, 17 [48], 351, dated 26 November 2004).

End of this report period: 24 December 2004.

New outbreaks:

Number of animals in the new outbreaks:

Diagnosis:

A. Laboratories where diagnosis was made: Regional Veterinary Center, Ho Chi Minh City.

B. Diagnostic tests used: haemagglutination inhibition test.

C. Causal agent: avian influenza virus subtype H5.

Source of agent / origin of infection: re-occurrence in previously infected areas.

Control measures:

- control of wildlife reservoirs;

- quarantine;

- movement control inside the country;

- stamping-out policy;

- screening.