May 6, 2004

Vietnam Announce Measures To Prevent Bird Flu Epidemics And Restore Poultry Herds

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Huy Ngo said sterilisation and quarantine must be maintained at breeding facilities, while providing financial assistance to bird flu prevention and restoring production after the epidemic.

Ngo warned all provinces and cities to be vigilant of the epidemic, stating that some countries have seen the disease returning even after they have been declared free from the disease. He said this at a conference to review bird flu prevention in HCM City on Wednesday.

The conference emphasised the importance of the quarantine of poultry imports in northern and southwestern regions. This is necessary in order to detect the illegal transport of poultry products and animal feeds through the border.

The participants noted that the Government's policies in restoring and developing poultry herds, as well as in preventing the epidemics should be strictly carried out. On the other hand, individuals and businesses involved in poultry slaughtering and sale have to follow the Ordinance on Veterinary.

The ministry also worked out long-term solutions to the issue such as consolidating the veterinary industry's facilities and improving its capability at all levels.

Concentrated poultry rearing should be re-planned. In addition, large rearing establishments should be removed from residential and working areas, schools, hospitals and main roads in order to keep the environment clean and people healthy.

Poultry slaughtering must be built to meet veterinary hygienic standards.

The ministry said that the bird flu has caused great damages to the country. The number of culled poultry reached more than 43.9 million, accounting for 16.79 percent of the country's total. Furthermore, the number of culled quails and pigeons totalled 14.76 million, and that of poultry eggs, 100.64 million.

The State had to spend more than 150 billion VND controlling the epidemic that also affected the country's tourism industry and foreign investment.