Vietnam's bid to prevent the reoccurrence of avian influenza has shown progress, as no new outbreaks of bird flu had been reported nationwide since the last December.

According to a report dated October 8 by the Veterinary Department to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), 40 out of 64 cities and provinces throughout the country had provided second vaccinations in 2006 to nearly 70 million poultry.

The department requested local authorities throughout the country to reinforce measures to prevent bird flu from returning, particularly their task to monitor raising poultry at household farms.

The department also asked localities nationwide to halt the incubation of waterfowls and quails until the end of February 2007. (VNA)