An Indonesian virologist says the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Indonesia may have evolved so as to make the poultry vaccines used there less effective, according to a report in the Jakarta Globe. The virologist, I Gusti Ngurah Mahardhika, said genetic differences of up to 8.7% were found when viral isolates collected at farms with vaccinated flocks in 2008 and 2009 were compared with a virus isolated from Legok, Banten, in 2003. The Legok virus is still being used by most vaccine producers in Indonesia, the story said. Mahardhika suggested that the viral mutations may explain a series of outbreaks in Indonesian flocks over the past 2 years and said he had "strong evidence" that vaccines based on the Legok virus are not effective against newer strains. Another scientist, Amin Soebandrio of the University of Indonesia, said he concurred with Mahardhika's findings and commented, "We need to see whether the changes increase the capacity of the virus to infect the human respiratory system." http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/mutated-h5n1-virus-raises-doubts-about-the-effectiveness-of-flu-vaccines/356376