The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on Dec. 28, asked ministries, agencies and localities to take synchronous measures to prevent bird flu from spreading.
Earlier the same day, the Veterinary Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported bird flu outbreaks in Long My district, Hau Giang province in the Mekong delta, killing about 450 unvaccinated ducklings aged between one and two months. The disease previously hit the southernmost province of Ca Mau and the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu.
In his dispatch, the Minister, who is also director of the National Steering Committee of Bird Flu Prevention and Control, requested that ministries, agencies and localities strengthen surveillance of poultry farms to early detect outbreaks and intensify disinfections and detoxification at high-risk areas, including farms, slaughter-houses, markets and former affected areas.
He also asked for absolute vaccination for poultry, particularly waterfowls; promptly cull of all poultry at households which have not conducted vaccination in line with regulations; and prompt restoration of quarantine operations in localities.
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