Starting from November 15, families, breeders, and individuals are prohibited from raising poultry in urban districts.
This is one of the temporary regulations for the prevention and control of avian influenza in Hanoi. This means that many households must bid farewell to their beloved pets, such as pet birds and fighting cocks, to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Therefore, as the deadline approaches, everyone chooses a different way to “say goodbye” to their cherished animals.
The Sadness of Surrendering Birds
No one understands why Mr. Phan Dang Hoan (Room 118, House A, Nam Dong Collective Housing) has been so downcast these past few days. At his age, known for his vibrant health and cheerful demeanor, such a gloomy attitude is quite unusual for Mr. Hoan.
The residents of the collective housing only grasp the situation when they realize that today is the last day for raising poultry in the city.
A passionate bird enthusiast who considers his birds as friends, Mr. Hoan reluctantly prepares to part with his cherished birdcage due to the risk of the H5N1 outbreak. He has plenty of pet birds and ample experience in caring for them, but… saying goodbye to his elegant hobby of “nature’s enjoyment” is unbearable for him.
He takes one last look at his beloved pets. Nearly ten doves, colorful birds, and starlings now must be surrendered to the local authorities. Everyone says that these are precious birds; why should they be surrendered when they can be kept in a cage? Friends suggest that he take the birds back to his hometown to keep them safe until the avian flu crisis passes, but he cannot do that.
“This dove sings beautifully; the whole neighborhood loves it, but the regulations have been issued, we must comply, and it’s for everyone’s health,” Mr. Hoan said as he gently cradled his precious bird. Thus, he must say farewell to his dear companion.
Hiding Birds at All Costs
Not everyone is as willing as Mr. Hoan. Many families, when local authorities and veterinary officials arrived, intentionally hid their poultry and refused to surrender them.
Seeing the poultry collection team from Nam Dong district, Mrs. Le Thi Nhan (1 Ho Dak Di Street) hurriedly gathered her birdcage to “hide the evidence.” After much persuasion from the officials, she finally brought out her birdcage and pleaded, “This parrot has only been raised for five months; it’s still very young, please be gentle with it…”
The poultry collection team from Nam Dong district reported that they gathered nearly 50 industrial chickens, fighting cocks, and various pet birds in just over an hour. Each surrendered bird would receive a support of 15,000 VND. However, those who destroy their own birds would not receive any assistance.
However, when the collection team visited each household, some had already released their pet birds or sent them to other places. Other families chose to hide their birds within their homes and refused to surrender them.
Ms. Hoang Thi Kim Anh from the Dong Da District Veterinary Station, Hanoi, stated: “We have to encourage families to surrender their birds. Many families oppose this because they have raised their birds for many years and consider them very precious. However, we aim to eliminate all remaining poultry by tomorrow.”
All Chickens Must Go
The news of the prohibition on raising poultry in urban areas has understandably caused anxiety among families. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Xuan, a well-known fighting cock breeder from Khuong Dinh Ward, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, after sending two of his “battle-bred” chickens back to his hometown for “rest and recovery,” now reluctantly prepares to “donate” his young chickens.
Mr. Xuan expressed: “I have to surrender them sooner or later. It’s better to prepare in advance!” But he still feels regret, “You know, this breed of fighting cock is very high-class; if I don’t keep them, I’ll lose my fighting skills. My family can manage, but what about those who lose their entire flock?”
It seems that the urban districts are intensifying measures to monitor poultry farming in Hanoi. Poultry will be concentrated for destruction to prevent the potential spread of avian influenza.
However, many people remain concerned about the feasibility of the ban on poultry farming in the city, given the limited compliance among residents.
Deserted Chicken Market
Similarly to those raising pet birds and poultry, on the afternoon of November 14, traders at the chicken market hastily wrapped up their products and left early. Piles of chicken waste were thrown into a corner of the market, and the once-bustling rows of chicken stalls are now deserted.
