Silver Spring, Maryland—The rapid spread of Avian Influenza (AI) into all regions of Vietnam has devastated the livelihoods of thousands of chicken farmers. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Vietnam, in close collaboration with local government agencies, is implementing multiple interventions to assist farmers impacted by AI, also known as “bird flu.”

The $10,000 project, funded by ADRA International, ADRA Asia and ADRA Vietnam, is targeting Ha Tay Province, one of the regions most affected by bird flu.  Nearly two million chickens have been disposed of in this province, affecting 13 of the 14 districts and 812 households. 

As part of its efforts, ADRA will print and distribute 5,000 leaflets, teaching about AI symptoms and prevention measures, to affected farmers.

Protective equipment packages, including a gown, apron, goggles, face mask, rubber boots, and gloves, are also being distributed to 500 farmers and veterinarians in the districts of Chuong My and Hoai Duc in Ha Tay.  The packages are standardized by the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).  Affected communities in these two districts will also receive 100 chemical sprayers and 880 lbs. (400 kg) of anti-septic chemicals to clean the affected poultry farms and the environment.  In addition, 220 lbs. (100 kg) of deodorizing chemical will be provided to combat the malodorous affects of mass poultry burials.

In partnership with the local government, one-day training will be provided to 400 farmers and 100 veterinary workers in the two districts. The training will increase the technical assistance capacity of veterinary workers. Farmers will be trained on how to prepare the chemicals for spraying, technical methods of spraying, and AI symptom recognition and prevention.

The interventions were implemented in collaboration with the Ha Tay Provincial Veterinary Department, Agricultural and Husbandry Department of the Ha Tay Agricultural and Rural Development Department, and the Provincial People’s Committee.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicit.