January 5, 2005

Vietnam Calls For Increase Efforts In Bird Flu Prevention

Avian flu is likely to spread in the Mekong delta, the southeastern region, the Red River delta and possibly border provinces, said Bui Quang Anh, Director of the Veterinary Department, at a press briefing in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

He said from now to mid-February, the country is facing a high risk of a wide spread of the disease due to favourable weather conditions for the virus and an increase in poultry demand in preparation for the coming traditional lunar new year festival (Tet).

In an effort to prevent avian flu from spreading widely, the National Steering Board for Avian Flu Control will take drastic measures, including the strict monitoring of poultry farming areas to immediately detect and stamp out any outbreak of the disease and destruction of affected poultry flocks.

Concerned services and local authorities will enhance the supervision of poultry transport to identify and punish those who transport infected poultry and accelerate the inspection and management of poultry trade and slaughter in markets. Localities are also urged to provide enough protective clothes and equipment for those workers who directly come into contact with infected poultry, and take measures to prevent the transmission of bird flu virus from poultry to people according to the healthcare sector's guidelines.

The Veterinary Department said that in December 2004, avian flu occurred in more areas than in October and November, mainly in southwestern provinces and cities. From early December 2004-Jan. 3, 2005, avian flu broke out in 25 poultry farming households in 24 communes, wards and townships in 21 districts of 11 provinces and cities, mainly in the Mekong delta. The epidemic was stamped out before spreading.