According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Ba Bong, the recurrence of bird flu epidemic in Vietnam is now only a matter of time. However, Mr Bong said the concern now is to avoid patient deaths resulting from the virus.

Dr Nguyen Dang Vang, director of the Animal Husbandry Department, said most farmers still ignore preventive measures and raise free-range ducks. Trade, slaughter and transports of poultry and poultry products is not yet strictly controlled.

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has asked to open a hot line to receive and distribute information regarding bird flu.

The national steering committee for bird flu prevention and control has proposed to award VND500,000 for those who promptly report bird flu outbreaks.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will also release a document on the halting of egg hatching.