Vietnam raises alert level against bird flu

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is urging to vaccinate poultry in areas with high risks of the virus spreading. The two ministries will expand monitoring and carry out quick tests in localities adjacent to China - especially in Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh, Lang Son and Lao Cai provinces. At the same time, the MoH will coordinate with other related sectors and ministries to increase the local people's awareness.

Meanwhile, viruses that have not been present in Vietnam such as the H7N9, H5N2, and H5N8, are likely to appear in Vietnam via transportation, purchasing and consumption of smuggled poultry and poultry products. People with symptoms like high fever, sore throat, having difficulty breathing or just traveling through high-risk areas will be closely monitored.