Egyptian poultry flocks have tested positive to H5N1 avian flu despite being vaccinated against the virus, reported Reuters this month.

According to an animal health official, who remained anonymous, 12 different locations in Egypt have had outbreaks in vaccinated flocks in 2007.

The official said: “We have outbreaks in vaccinated chickens in many places.  This puts a question mark on vaccination procedures.  It is dangerous.”

The official blamed the outbreaks - on poultry units and in household flocks of chickens and ducks - on inadequate inoculation procedures instead of a resistance to the vaccination.