The measures were revealed Tuesday following a government meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on the ministry's strategy to wipe out the H5N1 virus.

``Although we are still in difficulties, we are determined to ensure safety for the community, no matter how much it will cost,'' said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Previously, the ban applied only on the southern business capital, Ho Chi Minh City. But now, the cities of Hanoi, Hue and Danang and the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, and the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho have been included in the ban.

Small markets dealing in live poultry in urban areas will be closed and replaced by big slaughterhouses and a complete ban will be imposed on the free-range breeding of water fowl.

Compulsory vaccination of poultry will start in August, with the state picking up the tab of about US$6.3 million (HK$49.14 million) for the 2005-06 period.

``Our objective is to prevent the recurrence of bird flu this year,'' said Minister of Agriculture Cao Duc Phat.

Official figures showed that bird flu epidemics have forced Vietnam to cull almost 46 million birds since late December 2003, with financial losses topping US$220 million.

Thirty-five of Vietnam's 64 provinces and cities have been hit by the virus this year. The virus is continuing to claim human casualties at regular intervals, though it has apparently been waning in poultry.

In Bangkok, bird flu was cited by the World Health Organization as one of Southeast Asia's most pressing health problems.

WHO regional director Samlee Plianbangchang said it is essential there be agreement on strengthening collaboration on detection and notification of outbreaks.