However, bird flu has been confirmed in 39 communes in 18 districts and towns in the Mekong Delta. Meanwhile, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu - the first two localities which reported bird flu outbreaks continue to monitor the complicated developments of the avian influenza. Other provinces such as Dong Thap, Long An and Tien Giang are still facing the high risk of bird flu infection. 

Mr Anh attributed the fact to the failure of local authorities to completely prohibit the hatching of water fowl and breeding of free-ranged ducks remains a common occurrence.

Since last December, the department has provided an additional 20 million doses of bird flu vaccines for localities, Mr Anh said.

The National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control has asked localities in the Mekong Delta to ban the hatching of new water fowl and strictly control legal transport of poultry during the Traditional Lunar New Year Festival (Tet), said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat.

To raise the efficiency of preventive work, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has proposed spending part of the State budget compensating farmers’ cull of poultry.

By January 23, the Government had sent 10 missions on a fact-finding tour of various provinces and cities.

Media campaign launched to raise bird flu awareness
The Vietnamese government in coordination with UNICEF has launched a media campaign to disseminate knowledge on avian influenza and preventive measures.

At a ceremony in Hanoi on January 24, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Ba Bong expressed his hope that the campaign, which targets high-risk groups of people, including farmers, health workers, breeders, especially children and women, will help them become more aware of food hygiene and safety in raising and consuming poultry.

UN Coordinator in Vietnam, John Hendra, said he believes this means of communication will fortify the people's fight against bird flu and guide them to act responsibly.

He affirmed that the UN and its member agencies will continue to assist Vietnam in implementing its national action plan to counter bird flu.

The United Nations Children's Fund, the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Hanoi Women's Union joined in the campaign.