MARD Deputy Minister Bui Ba Bong on July 27 released the instruction at a meeting in Tien Giang province of local administrators coming from the Mekong Delta and southeastern provinces to discuss measures on management of water fowl in the region.

Mr Bong also asked them to strictly observe requirements on standard poultry slaughterhouses as well as timely reporting new outbreaks in their localities to relevant agencies.

MARD has allowed the resumption of chicken farming but the ban on waterfowl raising remains effective until February of 2007.