Despite preventative measures, bird flu infections have continued spreading in the Mekong River Delta due to both subjective and objective reasons, said Mr Phat, who is also head of the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control, in a short interview granted to VOV on January 15.

He said several localities did not strictly follow instructions issued by the Prime Minister and the National Steering Committee for Bird Flu Control. 

To combat the epidemic effectively, Mr Phat stressed the need to enhance communication activities at the grassroots levels to help local people and farmers realise dangers and take preventative measures against bid flu.

To curb the spread of the epidemic, the minister asked localities to keep a close watch on the transport, trading and slaughtering of poultry, disinfect affected areas and carry out extensive vaccinations.