The figures were released by the Veterinary Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) at a meeting of the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control in Hanoi on January 2.

The department warned that the disease is likely to recur in other areas across the country, particularly in northern provinces where the transport and trading of poultry and poultry products of unclear origin have yet to show signs of decrease.

To prevent avian influenza from spreading in the Mekong Delta region, the MARD has allocated more bird flu vaccine, disinfectant, sprayers and protective equipment to the three affected provinces and high-risk localities.

Meanwhile, the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control has asked relevant ministries and agencies to step up efforts to instruct and supervise the implementation of measures to curb avian influenza and flu type H5N1 in humans.