VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam has spent VND125bil (7.8mil) this year on vaccines against bird flu, said Bui Quang Anh, Head of the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
Vaccination is considered one of the most effective ways to fight the epidemics and so far in 2007, 44 provinces and cities have completed the first round of vaccination.
However, Anh said his department has asked the Government to stop subsidising the vaccination in order to raise the sense of initiative for localities and people as well as reduce expenditure from the State budget.
The MARD has also warned provinces of the high risk of outbreaks in July, especially around the Mekong delta.
MARD Deputy Minister Bui Ba Bong urged relevant agencies to focus on water fowl and work on immediate plans to vaccinate newly-hatched ducks in a bid to tighten control over the spread of infection.
According to the Veterinary Department, the number of localities that have not exceeded the 21-day safety milestone that enables them to announce themselves free from bird flu reduced to 12 provinces and cities from 18 in the last week.
They include eight northern provinces: Hai Phong city, Bac Giang, Ninh Binh, Vinh Phuc, Ha Nam, Hung Yen, Thai Binh and Cao Bang; three central provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Nam; and southern Can Tho Province.
(Source: VNA) | 
