HCMC – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on September 8 issued an urgent dispatch asking chairpersons of localities nationwide to take drastic measures to control and prevent bird flu from spreading on a large scale.

Chairpersons have been urged to direct departments and agencies to adopt measures against bird flu in line with the Law on Animal Health and directives of the prime minister, reported Tuoi Tre newspaper. Localities that report bird flu outbreaks which have not passed 21 days have to make all-out efforts to contain them. They have also been asked to regularly examine and ensure that at least 80% of poultry herds entitled to vaccination programs get vaccinated. Local competent agencies have to instruct owners of poultry farms to strictly comply with animal hygiene measures, regularly clean and disinfect farms and surrounding areas and monitor and collect samples for bird flu testing to promptly handle and cull sick animals. Local forces under the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Counterfeit Goods have been asked to prevent and tackle individuals trafficking animals and animal products. Data from the ministry showed that there have been 67 bird flu outbreaks in 45 districts of 24 provinces and cities nationwide in the year to date and while the number has risen twofold, that of culled animals has increased threefold.