Speaking at a regular meeting of the National Steering Board for Acute Viral Respiratory Diseases, Mr Huan noted that the hygiene campaign is a very important measure to prevent a possible recurrence of the bird flu epidemic.

The campaign will help control the spread of the H5N1 virus in the environment when the country is facing complicated developments in poultry and related product smuggling.

The Health Ministry warned localities to continue promoting measures to prevent bird flu and other diseases, which are transmitted through the respiratory system.

The ministry urged northern border provinces in co-operation with relevant services to promote the control of poultry transport and strictly supervise those who enter the country from areas that have been hit by bird flu epidemics in the past or are currently affected by unusual diseases transmitted through the respiratory system.