March 12, 2008

Vietnam to release US$36 million for FMD prevention

Vietnam's government said it would spend VND587 billion (US$36 million) to curb foot and mouth disease in the 2006-2010 period.

The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat, said at a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)'s meeting in Hanoi on March 10 that Vietnam is determined to put the disease under control.

Vietnam also has the support of international organizations, including the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and OIE for its FMD prevention programme.

The country has introduced vaccinations and financial support for the immediate culling of ill livestock.

Currently, Vietnam has around 11 million buffaloes and oxen, and around 26 million pigs.

FMD is temporarily contained in Vietnam, with central Nghe An province, being the last area announced that it is free from the disease.