April 5, 2007

Vietnam bird flu under control 

Vietnam has been free from bird flu since the southernmost province of Ca Mau stamped out an outbreak in Khanh Binh Dong commune, Tran Van Thoi district.

This was reported by the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Prevention and Control, on April 3.

The provincial veterinary department joined local cadres to cull 85 ducks, disinfect husbandry facilities and strictly monitor poultry in the province.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Ba Bong said bird flu can be kept under control in the coming period, while warning of a recurrence.

He called on localities to strictly implement the first phase of vaccination against bird flu in April, and disinfect breeding facilities and surrounding areas in an effort to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.

According to the Veterinary Department, around 20 provinces have launched the first phase of bird flu vaccination in 2007, with more than 20 million poultry vaccinated.