Vietnam ramps up avian influenza vaccination efforts amid persistent outbreaks and coverage gaps in poultry sector

Vietnam intensifies efforts to combat avian influenza after recent outbreaks reveal significant vaccination coverage shortfalls, prompting calls for faster immunisation and improved biosecurity measures.

Vietnam is intensifying avian influenza vaccination and monitoring after fresh outbreaks exposed gaps in coverage across its poultry sector. According to the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, 80 outbreaks have been recorded in 17 provinces and cities this year, with more than 349,400 birds dead or culled; 26 outbreaks in nine localities are still active.

The first vaccination campaign of 2026 reached 127 million of 247 million targeted birds, just over half the planned total. Authorities say the shortfall, combined with widespread small-scale farming and frequent movement through live-bird markets, transport routes and slaughter points, is sustaining transmission risk.

Recent cases underline the challenge. Vietnam’s state broadcaster VOV reported that in June veterinary officials culled infected ducks in Dong Thap after tests confirmed H5N1 in a flock that had not been vaccinated. Earlier this year, the agriculture ministry ordered mass vaccination and disinfection after losses from avian influenza and African swine fever mounted.

Hanoi has also set a broader goal of cutting livestock disease outbreaks and losses by at least 30% in the 2026-2030 period, with stronger biosecurity, surveillance and vaccine-based prevention among the plan’s core measures. The department has urged local governments to speed up immunisation and ensure vaccines match circulating strains.