# 1726
Recognizing that the bird flu situation in Vietnam is worsening, and without intervention, could soon spiral out of control, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has laid out a series of tough policies to combat the problem.
Nation takes action against bird flu
28/02/2008 -- 11:37 AM
Ha Noi (VNA)- The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat has got tough in the fight against the spread of the lethal bird flu on both poultry and humans, warning severe disciplines on negligent authorities.
In his instruction issued on February 27, Phat, who is also the Head of the National Steering Board for Bird Flu Control, said so far this year bird flu outbreaks have been discovered in 14 districts of 10 provinces, leading to the cull of almost 23,000 birds.
He quoted the Health Ministry as reporting that the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus claimed four lives.
In an effort to curb the epidemic, he urged responsible agencies to speed up information campaigns to increase public awareness against the disease dangers and educate the public in preventive methods.
“It’s urgent to set up taskforces at village level with the participation of local authorities, veterinarians, health workers and representatives from mass organisations,” said the minister.
He also pushed border administrations to set up a close coordination of action among customs officers, market managements, police, border-guards and veterinarians in curbing illegal cross-border imports of poultry and poultry products.
“Severe punishments will be imposed on those local authorities, medical workers and veterinarians who fail to report the outbreaks early or take immediate steps against the epidemic,” concluded the Minister.-
