March 7, 2007

Vietnam implements regulations for waterfowl, poultry production
 

To help localities counter difficulties in poultry production, the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on March 1 officially lifted its ban on hatching waterfowl and issued regulations on egg-hatching and poultry breeding activities.

This is an important legal foundation aimed at promoting law enforcement in environment protection activities and veterinary work, as well as helping farmer households expand production.

Farmers in the Mekong Delta region expressed their delight at the move, but local authorities and functional agencies in many localities are still faced with certain difficulties.

In implementation of MARD's decision, Hau Giang province has mapped out a plan to develop a sustainable poultry breeding industry. The provincial veterinary department has provided techniques to help farmers ensure safe poultry breeding, and asked them to strictly follow regulations on vaccination. Currently, Hau Giang has more than 70 waterfowl hatching farms.

An Giang province has 370 households raising more than 300,000 free-range waterfowl. The provincial veterinary department has also intensified inspection of waterfowl hatching farms and provided assistance to farmers in the transport of newly-hatched poultry.

In addition, other provinces like Bac Lieu, Kien Giang and Ca Mau have also implemented measures to create favourable conditions for farmers to resume their poultry breeding activities.

At present, the total number of poultry in the Mekong Delta region has already reached millions but is threatened by the presence of bird flu in Vinh Long province.

Meanwhile, the Veterinary Department has asked localities to import two million doses of bird flu vaccine in mid-March this year.