During discussions of measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease in Hanoi on May 23, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Cao Duc Phat said the disease has been detected in some Red River Delta provinces, especially in Hung Yen province and it is necessary to stamp out the illness to prevent a larger outbreak in the region. MARD also asked localities throughout the country to speed up vaccination campaign.

So far, 48 provinces have registered for a total of 4.2 million vaccinations. It is expected that total amount of imported vaccines (2.9 million of doses) in mid June will meet the demand for vaccines in localities. Priority will be given to vaccinating cattle in some major provinces such as Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Hung Yen. From July to September, an additional 8.1 million imported doses of vaccines will be available to vaccinate cattle throughout the country.

According to the Veterinary Department on May 23, foot-and-mouth disease was detected in three provinces including Hai Phong, Ha Nam and Bac Lieu. The disease has also been reported in certain parts of Quang Nam, Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Can Tho provinces.