Nation on high alert as bird flu threatens

A farmer spreads steriliser among ducks in the central province of Quang Tri. The country faces high risk of bird flu outbreak. — VNA/VNS Photo Ho Cau

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam faces a high risk of bird flu outbreaks due to unfavourable weather conditions, which reduce animals' natural resistance, as well as the development of new poultry flocks after Tet, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The disease has recurred in five provinces (Dien Bien, Kien Giang, Khanh Hoa, Hau Giang and Tay Ninh) where more than 14,000 chickens and ducks were affected and consequently destroyed.

Pham Van Dong, director of the ministry's Animal Health Department, said the disease could still reappear in those areas, as the virus could continue to exist in poultry flocks.

The department has published updated information on new strains of the bird flu virus so localities can use the right vaccines, he said.

Localities have been asked to implement drastic measures to stop the spread of the disease.

Places sharing borders with Cambodia should do all they can to stop transport of poultry into the country, Dong said, suggesting the Ministry of Public Security allocate staff to these localities to help in this effort.

The development of new poultry flocks has been placed under control and farmers have been asked to take comprehensive measures to prevent their birds from succumbing to the disease, according to Pham Van Duy of the Livestock Husbandry Department.

The Animal Health Department also warned farmers about the growing problem of blue-ear disease, which has so far affected pigs in the provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Tri and Long An.

According to the department, many local authorities and people failed to report the situation. –VNS