VIETNAM - AVIAN FLU UPDATE #8

UNCLAS HANOI 000321

SIPDIS

FOR CA/OCS/ACS/EAP; EAP/EX; EAP/BCLTV
BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, AID (TDOLAN)
STATE PASS HHS for Marie Haring Sweeney
USDA FOR FAS/PASS TO APHIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMED AMGT CASC EAGR TBIO VM AFLU
SUBJECT: VIETNAM - AVIAN FLU UPDATE #8

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CURRENT STATUS
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1. (U) WHO INVESTIGATIVE TEAM DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE TO
INDICATE 13 CASES OF LABORATORY-CONFIRMED H5 INFLUENZA IN
HUMANS.

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PPE SHORTAGE
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2. (U) Due to worldwide demand, the GVN, WHO, and FAO are
now facing difficulties in purchasing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) even when funding is available.

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AFFECTED PROVINCES
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3. (U) VIRTUALLY EVERY PROVINCE IS REPORTING BIRD DEATHS
RELATED TO AVIAN INFLUENZA.

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NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
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4. (U) THE PRIME MINISTER HAS ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL
STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE CONTROL OF AVIAN INFLUENZA,
CHAIRED BY THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT. HE HAS FURTHER ASSIGNED EACH MEMBER OF HIS
CABINET TWO OR THREE PROVINCES IN WHICH THEY ARE TO OVERSEE
AVIAN FLU CONTROL. ON FEBRUARY 4, THIS COMMITTEE ORDERED A
HALT IN THE PROCESSING OF ALL CHICKENS AND CHICKEN PRODUCTS.

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MEETING FOR AMBASSADORS
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5. (U) THE GVN HOSTED A MEETING FOR AMBASSADORS TO DISCUSS
AVIAN INFLUENZA LATE TODAY. A READ-OUT WILL BE PROVIDED IN
THE NEXT UPDATE.
BURGHARDT