Poultry and cattle smuggled into Vietnam can potentially trigger an outbreak of infectious diseases, such as H5N1 and H7N9 bird flu and African hog cholera, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien.

A conference on the control of epidemics involving terrestrial animals in the northern region 

At a conference held recently, on the prevention and control of epidemics involving terrestrial animals in the northern region, Tien said that bird flu has been reported in 31 countries and territories, while African hog cholera has been found in 21 countries.

In neighboring China, up to 105 outbreaks in 25 provinces have been detected.

Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province travel daily between the two countries. They can bring home with them dangerous viruses that can spread diseases.

According to the Department of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Government has banned the transport, trade, slaughter and consumption of pigs and pork with unclear origins.

As of February 14, H5N1 bird flu had been identified in two households in the Quang Ngai and Khanh Hoa provinces. The two provinces’ governments and specialized agencies quickly culled more than 8,800 chickens and cleaned the farms, Tien said.

In addition, more than 750 pigs were found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease, of which 679 pigs were culled, mainly in the Lang Son, Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen, Quang Tri and Kon Tum provinces.

In the coming period, the competent agencies will continue imposing heavy sanctions on those who illegally transport animals and their products from other countries into Vietnam, closely controlling border gates and educating local residents so that they will not participate in poultry and cattle smuggling activities.

SGT