Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06HANOI630
2006-03-17 10:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Hanoi
Cable title:
VIETNAM: MARCH 17 AVIAN INFLUENZA REPORT
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 HANOI 000630
SIPDIS
STATE FOR G, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, EAP/EX, EAP/MLS, EAP/EP, INR,
OES/STC (PBATES),OES/IHA (DSINGER AND NCOMELLA),AND MED
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR ANE AND GH (DCARROLL, SCLEMENTS AND
PCHAPLIN)
STATE PASS TO USTR (ELENA BRYAN)
STATE PASS TO HHS/OGHA (WSTIEGER, EELVANDER AND ABHAT)
USDA PASS TO APHIS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP (LSTERN)
BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID (MFRIEDMAN AND JMACARTHUR)
ROME FOR FAO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU AMED AMGT CASC EAGR PINR SOCI VM
SUBJECT: VIETNAM: MARCH 17 AVIAN INFLUENZA REPORT
REF: HANOI 561 AND PREVIOUS
HANOI 00000630 001.2 OF 003
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 HANOI 000630
SIPDIS
STATE FOR G, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, EAP/EX, EAP/MLS, EAP/EP, INR,
OES/STC (PBATES),OES/IHA (DSINGER AND NCOMELLA),AND MED
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR ANE AND GH (DCARROLL, SCLEMENTS AND
PCHAPLIN)
STATE PASS TO USTR (ELENA BRYAN)
STATE PASS TO HHS/OGHA (WSTIEGER, EELVANDER AND ABHAT)
USDA PASS TO APHIS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP (LSTERN)
BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID (MFRIEDMAN AND JMACARTHUR)
ROME FOR FAO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU AMED AMGT CASC EAGR PINR SOCI VM
SUBJECT: VIETNAM: MARCH 17 AVIAN INFLUENZA REPORT
REF: HANOI 561 AND PREVIOUS
HANOI 00000630 001.2 OF 003
1. (U) Summary. There have been no new human Avian
Influenza (AI) deaths since late October 2005 and no human
cases since November 9, 2005. The Government of Vietnam
(GVN) continues to report no AI outbreaks in poultry since
the last reported incident on December 17, 2005. The
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),Cao
Duc Phat, has agreed to a proposal to vaccinate all flocks
of "ngan" duck, despite a pilot vaccination of ducks
resulting in only 40 percent immunity rates. End Summary.
2. (U) As of March 17, 2006:
-- No human AI deaths since October 29, 2005
-- No new human AI cases since November 9, 2005
-- No AI outbreaks in poultry since the last reported
incident on Dec. 17, 2005 in Cao Bang Province
3. According to local press, the Minister of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MARD),Cao Duc Phat, has agreed to a
proposal to vaccinate all flocks of "ngan" species of duck,
despite a pilot vaccination of ducks that resulted in only
40 percent immunity rates among the study population. The
Animal Health Department of MARD put forth the proposal at a
meeting of the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu
Prevention in Hanoi on March 14. The Institute allegedly
proposed administering the H5N1 vaccine on both chickens and
ducks since the nationwide vaccination for poultry has shown
"encouraging results."
4. Liberated Saigon Newspaper reported that a large amount
of poultry smuggled from China is once again finding its way
into Vietnam, stating the price gap between the two
countries is the driving force behind this illegal and
unsafe activity. Head of the Animal Health Division of
Quang Ninh Province Mr. Doan Duy Ai stated that local police
and market control authorities have detected seven cases of
poultry smuggling along the Vietnam-China border. Four tons
of chickens and 126,000 eggs have been destroyed. Mr. Ai
added that only a small portion of the smuggled products are
sold in Quang Ninh, while the rest is transported to other
localities, including Hanoi.
5. The news report further stated that illegally imported
poultry has not been properly controlled in Cao Bang, a
northern border province. The report stated that after
three poultry veterinary stations en route to Cao Bang town
were shut down, the transport of poultry has taken place
without inspections. Several animal officials admitted to
the difficulty in detecting and seizing illegally imported
poultry due to the length of the border and limitations of
local authorities. Price disparities between China and
Vietnam are fueling the smuggling of poultry south of the
border. The report stated that poultry prices in China are
roughly VND20,000 (US$1.25) per kilogram compared to poultry
prices ranging between VND40,000 and VND48,000 (US$2.50 and
US$3.00) per kilogram in Vietnam.
6. During March 14-16, approximately 100 researchers and
clinicians gathered in Hanoi for the first meeting of the
Southeast Asia Influenza Clinical Research Network, a
HANOI 00000630 002.2 OF 003
multilateral collaborative partnership committed to
advancing clinical research with a focus on influenza.
Partners currently include the National Institute for
Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Oxford University, UK, WHO,
Mahidol University, Wellcome Trust, the University of
Indonesia, as well as hospitals and institutions in Vietnam,
Thailand and Indonesia. The study to be initially conducted
by the network is entitled a "High-Dose versus Standard-Dose
Oseltamivir for the Treatment of Severe Influenza and Avian
Influenza: A Phase II Double Blind, Randomized Clinical
Trial." This study is planned to be conducted at sites in
Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia and is scheduled to begin in
the spring of 2006. Five of the 11 medical institutions
chosen for the pilot therapy are in Vietnam, including the
Institute of Tropical Diseases of Bach Mai Hospital in
Hanoi, the Central Pediatrics Hospital in Hanoi, the
Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC),
and Children's Hospitals I and II in HCMC.
7. On March 13, the Embassy's Consular Chief visited Bach
Mai Hospital to discuss AI preparations as well as general
facilities for private Americans. Bach Mai Hospital is
designated as the primary health facility for Hanoi to
receive foreign patients in the event of an AI outbreak.
According to the Director of the Hospital's Institute of
Infectious Disease, foreigners will be given the same
consideration as Vietnamese citizens in the event of an AI
outbreak. The Institute has 120 beds with four rooms
specifically designated for foreigners; if necessary,
however, all beds at the hospital will be used for AI and
other patients would be sent elsewhere. Two other hospitals
in Hanoi designated for AI have 300 beds for a total of 420.
If hospital beds become full in an outbreak, the GVN plans
to use schools for treating serious AI cases. The Institute
has only seven or eight functional respirators. The
Director stated that the Institute has 600,000 doses of
Tamiflu, the equivalent of 30,000 treatment courses. The
Director also indicated that 20 million additional tablets
have been ordered from Roche and are expected in May or
June.
8. Last week, Post's Health Attache and HHS/CDC Influenza
Coordinator met with members of the International Emerging
Infectious Disease Program (IEIP) in Bangkok. Over the next
six months, IEIP will be conducting four laboratory
training courses in Bangkok for mid-level laboratory
technicians from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. A separate
course in Vientiane will be given to technicians from Laos.
Each course will enhance skills in use of RT-PCR method for
nine to twelve students. In August, IEIP plans to conduct a
train-the-trainer course on rapid outbreak response
techniques to 75 responders from the region. The course
curriculum is being developed by the University of North
Carolina.
9. Post's Health Attache and HHS/CDC Influenza Coordinator
also met last week with the Charge d'Affairs, Political
Officer and HHS/CDC Influenza Coordinator of Embassy
Vientiane. Discussions centered on possible collaboration
on epidemic preparedness planning and laboratory capacity
strengthening between Vietnam and Laos.
HANOI 00000630 003.2 OF 003
MARINE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR G, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, EAP/EX, EAP/MLS, EAP/EP, INR,
OES/STC (PBATES),OES/IHA (DSINGER AND NCOMELLA),AND MED
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR ANE AND GH (DCARROLL, SCLEMENTS AND
PCHAPLIN)
STATE PASS TO USTR (ELENA BRYAN)
STATE PASS TO HHS/OGHA (WSTIEGER, EELVANDER AND ABHAT)
USDA PASS TO APHIS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP (LSTERN)
BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID (MFRIEDMAN AND JMACARTHUR)
ROME FOR FAO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU AMED AMGT CASC EAGR PINR SOCI VM
SUBJECT: VIETNAM: MARCH 17 AVIAN INFLUENZA REPORT
REF: HANOI 561 AND PREVIOUS
HANOI 00000630 001.2 OF 003
1. (U) Summary. There have been no new human Avian
Influenza (AI) deaths since late October 2005 and no human
cases since November 9, 2005. The Government of Vietnam
(GVN) continues to report no AI outbreaks in poultry since
the last reported incident on December 17, 2005. The
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),Cao
Duc Phat, has agreed to a proposal to vaccinate all flocks
of "ngan" duck, despite a pilot vaccination of ducks
resulting in only 40 percent immunity rates. End Summary.
2. (U) As of March 17, 2006:
-- No human AI deaths since October 29, 2005
-- No new human AI cases since November 9, 2005
-- No AI outbreaks in poultry since the last reported
incident on Dec. 17, 2005 in Cao Bang Province
3. According to local press, the Minister of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MARD),Cao Duc Phat, has agreed to a
proposal to vaccinate all flocks of "ngan" species of duck,
despite a pilot vaccination of ducks that resulted in only
40 percent immunity rates among the study population. The
Animal Health Department of MARD put forth the proposal at a
meeting of the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu
Prevention in Hanoi on March 14. The Institute allegedly
proposed administering the H5N1 vaccine on both chickens and
ducks since the nationwide vaccination for poultry has shown
"encouraging results."
4. Liberated Saigon Newspaper reported that a large amount
of poultry smuggled from China is once again finding its way
into Vietnam, stating the price gap between the two
countries is the driving force behind this illegal and
unsafe activity. Head of the Animal Health Division of
Quang Ninh Province Mr. Doan Duy Ai stated that local police
and market control authorities have detected seven cases of
poultry smuggling along the Vietnam-China border. Four tons
of chickens and 126,000 eggs have been destroyed. Mr. Ai
added that only a small portion of the smuggled products are
sold in Quang Ninh, while the rest is transported to other
localities, including Hanoi.
5. The news report further stated that illegally imported
poultry has not been properly controlled in Cao Bang, a
northern border province. The report stated that after
three poultry veterinary stations en route to Cao Bang town
were shut down, the transport of poultry has taken place
without inspections. Several animal officials admitted to
the difficulty in detecting and seizing illegally imported
poultry due to the length of the border and limitations of
local authorities. Price disparities between China and
Vietnam are fueling the smuggling of poultry south of the
border. The report stated that poultry prices in China are
roughly VND20,000 (US$1.25) per kilogram compared to poultry
prices ranging between VND40,000 and VND48,000 (US$2.50 and
US$3.00) per kilogram in Vietnam.
6. During March 14-16, approximately 100 researchers and
clinicians gathered in Hanoi for the first meeting of the
Southeast Asia Influenza Clinical Research Network, a
HANOI 00000630 002.2 OF 003
multilateral collaborative partnership committed to
advancing clinical research with a focus on influenza.
Partners currently include the National Institute for
Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Oxford University, UK, WHO,
Mahidol University, Wellcome Trust, the University of
Indonesia, as well as hospitals and institutions in Vietnam,
Thailand and Indonesia. The study to be initially conducted
by the network is entitled a "High-Dose versus Standard-Dose
Oseltamivir for the Treatment of Severe Influenza and Avian
Influenza: A Phase II Double Blind, Randomized Clinical
Trial." This study is planned to be conducted at sites in
Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia and is scheduled to begin in
the spring of 2006. Five of the 11 medical institutions
chosen for the pilot therapy are in Vietnam, including the
Institute of Tropical Diseases of Bach Mai Hospital in
Hanoi, the Central Pediatrics Hospital in Hanoi, the
Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC),
and Children's Hospitals I and II in HCMC.
7. On March 13, the Embassy's Consular Chief visited Bach
Mai Hospital to discuss AI preparations as well as general
facilities for private Americans. Bach Mai Hospital is
designated as the primary health facility for Hanoi to
receive foreign patients in the event of an AI outbreak.
According to the Director of the Hospital's Institute of
Infectious Disease, foreigners will be given the same
consideration as Vietnamese citizens in the event of an AI
outbreak. The Institute has 120 beds with four rooms
specifically designated for foreigners; if necessary,
however, all beds at the hospital will be used for AI and
other patients would be sent elsewhere. Two other hospitals
in Hanoi designated for AI have 300 beds for a total of 420.
If hospital beds become full in an outbreak, the GVN plans
to use schools for treating serious AI cases. The Institute
has only seven or eight functional respirators. The
Director stated that the Institute has 600,000 doses of
Tamiflu, the equivalent of 30,000 treatment courses. The
Director also indicated that 20 million additional tablets
have been ordered from Roche and are expected in May or
June.
8. Last week, Post's Health Attache and HHS/CDC Influenza
Coordinator met with members of the International Emerging
Infectious Disease Program (IEIP) in Bangkok. Over the next
six months, IEIP will be conducting four laboratory
training courses in Bangkok for mid-level laboratory
technicians from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. A separate
course in Vientiane will be given to technicians from Laos.
Each course will enhance skills in use of RT-PCR method for
nine to twelve students. In August, IEIP plans to conduct a
train-the-trainer course on rapid outbreak response
techniques to 75 responders from the region. The course
curriculum is being developed by the University of North
Carolina.
9. Post's Health Attache and HHS/CDC Influenza Coordinator
also met last week with the Charge d'Affairs, Political
Officer and HHS/CDC Influenza Coordinator of Embassy
Vientiane. Discussions centered on possible collaboration
on epidemic preparedness planning and laboratory capacity
strengthening between Vietnam and Laos.
HANOI 00000630 003.2 OF 003
MARINE