April 11, 2006

Vietnam to work with China to crackdown on poultry smuggling

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) will work with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi next week to discuss measures to crush poultry smuggling from China into Vietnam, according to MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat.

The minister asked relevant agencies to tighten control over the import of fowl, especially areas along the Vietnam-China border.

He noted that there has been a large volume of poultry smuggled into Vietnam in recent days because relevant agencies and localities have yet to take firm action.

Dr. Bui Quang Anh, Director of the MARD's Veterinary Department, warned of the possible recurrence of bird flu in the country, as many provinces and cities have been less vigilant about bird flu prevention.

Last week, authorities revealed that 10 out of 30 samples of smuggled poultry seized in northeastern Quang Ninh province tested positive for the bird flu virus. Previously, some of the 30 samples of poultry seized in northern Lang Song province also tested positive for the same virus, he added.