However, there is a widespread apathy among several localities in taking preventive measures, said the committee adding that bird flu outbreaks and human infections have been detected in Vietnam’s neighbours such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, so far this year a total of 33.3 million poultry, including 15.7 million chickens and 17.6 million ducks have been vaccinated against the bird flu virus in 28 cities and provinces.

Meanwhile, the foot-and-mouth disease has become more complicated. Last week, nearly 30 cows and 26 pigs were found infected with the disease in the Red River delta province of Thai Binh and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. Thai Binh is becoming the hotbed of the disease due to large-scale breeding and uncontrolled slaughter, transport and trading in cattle.

The disease has been detected in Thai Binh, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Dong Thap, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Gia Lai provinces and Hanoi city during the past three weeks.

Bui Quang Anh, head of the Veterinary Department said about 100 million more doses of bird flu vaccines will be supplied to cities and provinces to carry out the second phase of vaccination this year. He said the department will also dispatch missions to the hardest-hit areas in Thai Binh to inspect and devise solutions.

In another development the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control said it will collaborate with UNICEF and Japan to build a scheme on dissemination of information about bird flu.