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To better help Viet Nam prevent the recurrence of the bird flu, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) financed a project worth US$390,000 to carry out Emergency Assistance For Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The announcement was made on Monday at the signing ceremony between Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat and director of FAO representative in Viet Nam, Anton Rychener.
The 10-month project, running to the end of the year focuses on epidemic control in effort to reduce the loss of lives.
In point of fact, project implementation began in February 2004, when the bird borne disease came to the fore.
The assistance has provided regional support in procuring protective equipment, techniques to dispose of dead fowl and site disinfection.
At the ceremony, Phat said that although containment of the outbreak is upon us, there remained a high risk of recurrence.
Veterinarians and Government officials must monitor the poultry industry in particular, and the agriculture sector in general to ensure effective reponse time in the face of crises.
Rychener said the FAO has issued a clarion call for more donations to help Viet Nam overcome the effects of the outbreak and revive the poultry sector.
About 39 million poultry were culled in Viet Nam during the epidemic, which also claimed the lives of 16 people.
VNCG-VDC1 - (23/04/2004)
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