Scientists in Vietnam will conduct human tests of a new vaccine against the deadly bird flu virus after tests in mice and chickens showed promise.

State media quoted Dr. Hoang Thuy Nguyen Friday as saying results from the early tests show good signs of immunization, and tests on monkeys are expected next week.

Dr. Hoang heads a group searching for a vaccine against the H5N1 virus that has killed 45 people in Vietnam and Thailand since late 2003.

The United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health will host a regional meeting in Ho Chi Minh City from February 23 - 25 to discuss the fight against the virus.