Ministry announces Vietnam free of bird flu

However, a representative of the department also said several bird flu viruses such as A/H7N9, A/H5N2 and A/H5N8 could enter the country through transportation, business and consumption of illegally imported poultry products of unclear origin, especially in the northern border provinces.

“The localities need to actively prevent and fight bird flu, while stepping up supervision to timely discover infection cases and imposing strict penalties on illegally imported poultry products,” the representative said. Further, there is no record of foot-and-mouth disease and blue-ear disease, the department confirmed.

According to the ministry, risks of the disease spreading, however, are still substantial. Domestic pork price has recently declined, leading to a lack of concern on the part of hog farmers, who either do not vaccinate their pigs or throw dead pigs in the open.

As of the middle of May this year, Vietnam discovered seven cases of A/H5N1 outbreak in 11 farms in the five provinces of Cao Bang, Vinh Long, Quang Ninh, Dak Lak and Dak Nong.