Jonathan Ross, Director, Office of Health, USAID/Vietnam Official Reopening of the Upgraded Poultry Sections in Dong Ha Market, Quang Tri

DONG HA, Vietnam, December 5, 2011 -- We are delighted to be part of today's event and the official reopening of the upgraded poultry sections in Dong Ha Market.

This milestone is the result of a long and intensive partnership between USAID's Avian and Pandemic Influenza Initiative and provincial partners in Quang Tri. USAID sees this launching as a wonderful achievement of this strong partnership, including critical support from the Dong Ha City People's Committee and the Market Management Board.

The reopening of the Dong Ha poultry market is also the result of productive partnerships with the Quang Tri Sub-Department of Animal Health, and with other government and non-government institutions that have provided support and input. I'd also like to recognize and thank the private sector -- the vendors who operate the live bird and plucked poultry sections of the market, and whose livelihoods depend upon the market - for their ideas and financial support in ensuring the upgrading of the poultry market was, and will continue to be, successful.

With the adoption of the new Food Safety Law earlier this year, this is a very timely initiative. Food safety, biosecurity, and health issues are a growing concern to us all - the customers and consumers who buy our poultry products in the markets and who care about the health of our family members. We all want food that is safe and healthy.

I'm pleased to see representatives from other provinces here today. We expect that the Dong Ha market model will become a demonstration and learning laboratory for others to adopt and adapt. There are hundreds of markets throughout Vietnam that trade in live and plucked poultry on a daily basis. While they may not all be in a position to fully replicate the Dong Ha market model, these markets are in a position to apply the technical concepts and designs, and adopt the practices and behaviors that will result in improved biosecurity and biosafety.

For the private sector, it is good business to comply with food safety legislation. This should be the motivating factor that helps scale up good practices. When this is accompanied by enforcement and veterinary/food safety inspection services that effectively uphold higher standards, then we all can be assured that the poultry we eat is of the highest standard.

Expanded success will require commitment from all stakeholders and partners represented here today, to continue to work together towards the shared goal of knowing that the poultry we eat is safe.

Thank you again for all your work on this initiative and I'd like to wish everyone good health and continued success.

Xin cam on