U.S. supports avian influenza virus surveillance in Quang Ninh

The project aims to strengthen the capacity for early detection and warning of zoonotic diseases.

The Quang Ninh City Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health held a technical consultation meeting to finalize the draft plan for implementing avian influenza virus surveillance sampling in 2026. This is a key technical activity under the project “Strengthening Capacity for the Detection, Surveillance, Early Warning and Early Response to Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases” (EpiC and STRIDES).

FHI 360, a US-based organization, funded the project, and the Quang Ninh City People’s Committee approved and accepted it under Decision No. 1951/QĐ-UBND dated June 4, 2026.

​At the meeting, representatives of the Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health presented the draft 2026 Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance Plan in detail. Representatives from localities also provided an overview of the poultry farming situation and epidemiological developments in their respective areas, and proposed suitable sampling sites in line with technical criteria.

Participants held in-depth discussions on key technical aspects, including clearly defining the objectives, scale, target populations and sampling schedule. Participants carefully reviewed procedures for sample preservation and transportation to laboratories, as well as recording epidemiological information in the field, to ensure the highest possible levels of accuracy and biosafety.

One of the key outcomes agreed upon at the meeting was to strengthen coordination among international experts, specialized veterinary authorities and local governments. The selection of poultry farms, collection points and poultry groups for sampling was carefully considered based on the risk of virus circulation and spread, thereby improving the representativeness and scientific value of surveillance data. The team will compile feedback from the meeting to finalize the detailed plan before large-scale implementation begins.

Through this cooperation program, Quang Ninh's veterinary sector will not only strengthen its capacity to proactively detect dangerous avian influenza virus strains but also establish an effective early warning mechanism. Technical support from international organizations provides an important foundation for the locality to protect poultry flocks, minimize the risk of transmission to humans, and maintain socio-economic stability in the area.

According to Ms. Chu Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Quang Ninh City Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, during the first vaccination round of 2026 (from April to July), vaccination coverage among the city’s livestock and poultry herds reached 88% for foot-and-mouth disease, 60% for haemorrhagic septicaemia, 63% for lumpy skin disease, 84% for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), 45% for component vaccines for pigs, and 77% for avian influenza. Rabies vaccination coverage among dogs and cats reached 81%.

Vu Viet Cuong