December 27, 2005

Vietnam to remain resolute in bird flu fight

Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has urged the country's agriculture and health sectors to remain resolute in the fight against bird flu. The goal is for Vietnam to be bird flu-free in 2006. His comments came during a recent speech on bird flu in Ho Chi Minh City.

Khai said the risk of bird flu outbreaks remained high, despite progress in preventive measures. Thus, ministries and relevant agencies had to maintain their preventive measures.

He added that the agriculture sector needed to continue poultry vaccinations as planned, work out a long-term plan for the livestock breeding industry, and improve public awareness about food hygiene.

The prime minister also asked the trade ministry to actively circulate certified poultry, in order to meet consumer demand during the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival (Tet).