“Localities should detect and deal with the epidemic timely while disinfecting farms and cages to stop the spread of the deadly virus,” Mr Dung told authorities of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Hau Giang provinces, which are being affected by bird flu, at a conference in Ca Mau province on December 31. Representatives from Soc Trang, Can Tho, Kien Giang and An Giang also attended the conference.

According to the latest report, bird flu has recurred in 18 communes of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Hau Giang provinces. Despite no new outbreaks over the past three days, the epidemic is expected to spread far and wide in the Mekong River Delta in the coming days.

Mr Dung reprimanded authorities of affected areas for their negligence and no immediate actions taken to stamp out the epidemic when it broke out. He said that localities in the region have not carried out the vaccination campaign well, leading to the recurrence of bird flu.

Poultry raising generates the main source of income for farmers in the Mekong River Delta. To prevent the epidemic from recurring, Mr Dung said poultry should be vaccinated against bird flu 14 days after they hatch out. He asked incubation establishments to strictly follow the instruction before selling poultry to farmers.

He also said the Government is considering financial assistance to affected provinces while asking relevant agencies to provide sufficient doses of vaccines for these provinces.

*** The smuggling of chickens from China to the northern border province of Lang Son has become complicated over the past few days. Provincial authorities have so far seized nearly a tonne of chickens and 50,000 eggs imported from China. The provincial veterinary agency said it will strictly deal with any violations of veterinary regulations.