H5N1 avian influenza virus

H5N1 avian influenza virus is reappearing in poultry markets in China, especially in the southern region, causing great difficulties for the country to prevent a new pandemic.

Worse, a variant of the virus called H5N1-2.3.2.1 is spreading widely among live birds that the vaccine currently in use cannot be completely prevented, China Daily quoted. Guo Fusheng, veterinary expert of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said.

'In the fall and winter of this year, China faces the risk of bird flu outbreaks in poultry and humans,' the expert warned.

Sun Yan, an official from the Department of Animal Health, said China is vulnerable to bird flu because it raises up to 25% of chickens, 87% of geese and 65% of ducks worldwide.

New vaccine to prevent H5N1-2.3.2.1 strain developed by the Ministry of Agriculture of this country is currently being tested clinically.