Speaking at a regular meeting of the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu and Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Hanoi on September 5, Mr Phat asked the veterinary sector and the livestock breeding industry in localities to boost preventive measures, including the second phase of the mass vaccination of poultry, particularly ducks, and increase the monitoring and control of trading and slaughter of live poultry.

According to the Veterinary Department, the mass vaccination of waterfowl will be launched on September 11. Vietnam now has more than 10 million waterfowl.

Regarding foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development requested localities to strictly monitor the transport of cattle and instruct them in the use of necessary vaccines.

The ministry has dispatched missions to hot spots of food-and-mouth disease in the Central Highlands and north-central regions to inspect and promote preventive measures.