The US government will provide US$7.3 million through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to anti-bird flu projects in Vietnam.

The two projects will cover the provision of technical assistance to improve preparedness against the deadly avian flu and will help shift the country’s vaccination strategy for the H5N1 virus.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak said the US government had provided some $50 million to fight bird flu in Vietnam since 2005.

He said that through the newly-signed projects and other activities, the US would continue to work closely with other donors to assist Vietnam in implementing a more sustainable bird flu strategy.

Statistics show that bird flu has hit Vietnam five times since 2003, affecting 60 of the country’s 63 cities and provinces, and killing 54 of the 109 humans to catch the disease in the country. Bird flu has claimed the lives of three people this year.

Tan reported that the Vietnamese government has spent almost $130 million of state funds on the prevention and control of bird flu.

“Vietnam appreciates expert advice on the shift in bird flu strategy, with a focus on longer-term measures, especially those relating to development of bio-breeding and improvement of the veterinary sector to help it respond efficiently to future outbreaks and ensure that animal husbandry grows sustainably,” Tan said.

Source: VNA