The disease has affected more than 1,300 domestic animals, mainly cattle, buffalo and pigs, in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Quang Nam.
Ha Tinh has been the hardest hit, with nearly 800 animals in 31 communes infected since August this year.
Deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee Le Dinh Son said recent floods were to blame for the rapid spread of the disease.
Poor management and slow response to the disease by local authorities as well as the lack of public awareness have also led to the outbreak, he added.
Authorities in communes such as Cam Hung, Cam Thinh and Cam Son were criticised for being ignorant and hiding fresh outbreaks.
Agriculture Deputy Minister Le Van Tam said the outbreak in Ha Tinh can spread to surrounding localities unless proper measures are taken to control it.
The virus can travel rapidly and cause great damage, he warned.
Ha Tinh has vaccinated animals in affected areas and set up checkpoints to prevent infected animals from being transported.
The ministry plans to send 200,000 doses of vaccine to Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Danang, Nghe An and Thua Thien-Hue.
