The Hanoi People’s Committee has just issued temporary regulations to prevent the spread of avian influenza, which prohibits organizations, households, and individuals from raising poultry in the inner city districts starting from November 15.
The city also strictly forbids the importation, establishment, and hatching of waterfowl and quail. If poultry is raised outside the restricted areas, organizations, households, and individuals must not allow free-range practices.
In cases where the number of poultry raised is fewer than 3,000, the owner must obtain approval from the local People’s Committee at the ward, commune, or town level. For raising more than 3,000 poultry, approval must be sought from the district or county People’s Committee.
The city has also stipulated that from now until December 30, 2006, the slaughtering and trading of live poultry can only be conducted at certain temporary points designated by the district or county People’s Committee. Organizations, households, and individuals that violate veterinary hygiene and food safety regulations will face strict penalties.
Starting November 5, the city prohibits the transportation and trading of poultry without clear origins, lacking certification from the relevant authorities at the origin, and without quarantine inspection by the Hanoi Veterinary Department at the checkpoints.
Prior to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City also issued strict regulations prohibiting poultry farming in the inner city.