The committee said at a meeting in Hanoi on February 7 that all cities and provinces should tighten control over the transportation and slaughter of poultry and poultry products, and strengthen quarantine and management to ensure supplies of safe poultry and poultry products for consumers.

Localities are also requested to mark out areas for poultry raising, trading and slaughtering, and facilitate organisations' and individuals' ability to access bank loans to build and upgrade their slaughter-houses and processing lines.

Director of the Veterinary Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Quang Anh said during the meeting that no new epidemic outbreaks have been reported in recent days and that the country has effectively taken measures to prevent the disease, particularly before, during and after Tet (Lunar New Year festival).

However, Mr Anh also warned of the possibility of a new bird flu outbreak, especially the upcoming spring-winter crop.