Deputy PM Hai highlighted the various efforts made by the provinces to prevent the spread of the epidemic. For example, setting up supervising groups at grassroots levels and isolating the affected areas are important factors in controlling outbreaks.

However, the deputy PM also emphasised that although the breeding sector accounts for 25 percent of the agricultural sector’s earnings, this proportion has not increased as the problem of diseases in cattle has become complicated in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to come up with more effective solutions to cope with blue ear disease in particular and other diseases in general and then build up a long-term strategy for sustainable development of the breeding industry.

Mr Hai said that the spread of the epidemic is attributed to slowness in detecting the disease, and failure to control transportation, slaughter and trading of pig products. In addition, many local authorities have not dealt with outbreaks of the disease.

Mr Hai asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to revise the methods used to prevent the epidemic and take drastic preventive measures in both affected and unaffected areas. The MARD should issue guidelines on how to prevent and supervise the epidemic, and clarify the responsibilities of the local authorities. It is necessary to draw up annual plans to monitor the distribution of vaccines and medicines, and become more active in prevention activities. The MARD and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should also conduct inspections in all localities, especially in Thanh Hoa province.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the government will issue a policy on subsidies, which will involve both the State Bank and the Finance Ministry.

Meanwhile, MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat warned of a possible recurrence of the epidemic and emphasized the need to stop the spread of the disease at any cost. He said that infected pigs must be detected early and destroyed immediately, adding that his ministry is importing one million doses of vaccine to protect the herds of pigs, especially the sows.

Tran Minh Oanh, Chairman of the Nam Dinh provincial People’s Committee, proposed the establishment of a diagnosis centre to help farmers in the Red River Delta detect the disease in time so that they can deal with the epidemic in a proactive manner.

Local representatives also suggested an increase in assistance for households that breed sows.