Quang Ninh Smuggled poultry may ignite bird flu outbreak

Quang Ninh Province has become the latest region that illegally imported chickens from China pass through, according to officials speaking at a meeting at the agriculture and rural development ministry yesterday. 

Around 50,000 chickens are reported to be transported from China each week through local border gates on their way to markets in Ha Noi's Phu Xuyen District.

Agriculture officials warn that bird flu may re-appear if these illegal imports are not properly controlled.

The situation at the Mong Cai Border gate in Quang Ninh Province has been brought under control by drastic measures.

It was also announced at the meeting that the price of poultry meat has risen by 10-15 per cent compared to last month, helping local farmers. http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/54622/society-in-brief-12-12.html