HA NOI — Ten out of 35 bird flu affected provinces and cities in Viet Nam have been declared free of the epidemic, but agricultural officials have asked localities to implement measures to prevent further occurrence.

A report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Animal Health Department on Sunday declared central region’s Nghe An as the latest province not to report infected poultry in the last 21 days.

However, the outbreak hit an additional 12 areas the previous day, killing over 5,000 fowls. Most of the infected areas are in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region.

The National Committee for Bird Flu Control said since the outbreak can develop complications, localities need to continue implementing drastic measures to battle it.

The committee urged them to temporarily ban breeding of ducks, geese and quails following the recent Government decision.

Provinces must also work out long-term prevention plans, including re-organising local breeding of poultry and fowls.

Infected poultry farms are allowed to restock fowls only 60 days after the last sick bird has been destroyed, according to the new regulation from the agriculture ministry.

When farmers from provinces and cities, declared free of the outbreak, resume breeding, they are required to register with the provincial veterinary office if they raise more than 3,000 fowls.

If the number is between 500 and 3,000, they have to register with the district-level veterinary office, and with the commune’s People’s Committee if it’s less than 500.

Unregistered poultry will not be granted quarantine certificates for selling, and farmers will not receive State assistance in case of bird flu recurring.

So far the third wave of the epidemic that hit Viet Nam has claimed 13 lives, including a Cambodian woman, and about 1.5 million poultry.