Vietnam mutant bird flu no greater threat: UN

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week voiced concern about the appearance in Vietnam and China of the strain, warning of “a possible major resurgence” of the virus, which developed into a pandemic in 2009.After Indonesia, Vietnam has recorded the highest number of human deaths from bird flu, with 59 since 2003, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) data.“The last human H5N1 cases in Vietnam were reported in April 2010, but none caused by the new strain,” the WHO and FAO said in a joint statement. “There is no evidence to suggest yet that this new virus strain will have any increased risk to human health.”Bird flu is currently affecting poultry in four provinces, according to Vietnams animal health department. The mutant strain, known as H5N1 - 2.3.2.1, was first noticed in Vietnam in 2009. It has replaced the previously dominant strain and has been identified in 16 Vietnamese provinces this year, the UN statement said.