(VOVworld) – The Vietnamese Government has ordered ministries, departments, and localities to intensify preventive measures against the avian influenza strain H7N9 and H5N1. In a public note released on Monday, media agencies and local authorities, particularly in Vietnam’s northern and southwestern border provinces, were asked to closely monitor the epidemic situation, especially the potentially harmful effects on human health of poultry smuggling, transportation, and consumption.

Poultry smuggling, transportation, and consumption must be in close monitor. (Photo: baocongthuong.com.vn)

The Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Rural Development are asked to closely monitor the situation both at home and abroad to keep people informed of the risks of spreading the influenza, and precautions they should take.

The same day, China announced 1 more death from H7N9, bringing the national death toll to 14. 3 new cases were confirmed on Monday. A total of 63 H7N9 cases have been reported across China, with the highest figure, 24, reported in Shanghai.