Bio-risk management for high-containment facilities

The Workshop on training bio-risk management for high-containment laboratories was conducted by the Department of Animal Health in partnership with the Health Security Partner of the United States and took place from July 31 to August 2. 

This workshop represents a significant event in the field of bio-risk management within the veterinary industry. It brings together international experts from the HSP organization who specialize in various aspects of biosecurity, biosafety, and the design of biosafety laboratories, including high-containment biosafety laboratories. These experts actively participate in the training sessions, providing valuable insights and knowledge. 

The event witnessed the attendance of leaders and officials from the Department of Animal Health, Veterinary technical centers affiliated with the Department, Regional sub-departments of Animal Health, and several research units in the domain. Additionally, representatives from certain private testing offices equipped with Level 3 biosafety laboratories were also present. 

In addition, the Workshop witnessed the participation of delegates from various preventive healthcare agencies, including the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang Pasteur Institute, and the Central Highlands Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology. These agencies possess Biosafety Level 3 laboratories and convened to exchange their respective experiences, in alignment with the "One Health" approach.

Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health emphasized the importance of bio-risk management in veterinary laboratories when working with dangerous animal pathogens, pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

As per Mr. Nguyen Van Long's assertion, the health sector has formulated several regulatory matters pertaining to biosafety management in laboratories engaged in handling hazardous microorganisms. Nevertheless, certain regulations are deemed inappropriate for the particularities of testing practices within the field of veterinary medicine. Particularly concerning are the hazardous microorganisms that only induce illnesses in animals, alongside the insufficient regulatory measures governing animal disease laboratories operating at biosafety Level III. 

Hence, the objective of the workshop is to provide an introduction to the regulatory frameworks and rules pertaining to biosafety and biosecurity at both national and international levels. This includes a focus on laboratory practices, prevention of animal diseases, and adherence to biosafety Level III standards.

Acquire knowledge pertaining to the procedural aspects involved in the construction of a biosafety level III animal disease laboratory. Additionally, the program offers practical training and facilitates the exchange of information pertaining to several subjects, including the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), waste management strategies, the development of emergency response plans, the evaluation of security risks, and the attainment of biosafety level III certification. 

The primary objective of the workshop was to establish prospective networks for collaboration and strengthen the national capability in biosecurity and biosafety.

Hence, it can be suggested that this event presents a valuable occasion for veterinary businesses to enhance their comprehension of the legislation and protocols pertaining to biological risk management within laboratory settings.

During the conference, a group of worldwide specialists from the HSP organization disseminated valuable insights regarding risk management and effective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of laboratory personnel. In doing so, it aids in mitigating the potential hazards associated with the release of hazardous pathogens from the laboratory, hence posing a threat to individuals, animals, and the surrounding ecosystem.

During the workshop, the delegates were presented with and provided feedback on the preliminary version of the Decree that aims to enhance the governmental oversight of testing operations in the veterinary domain.

This aids state management authorities in enhancing the risk management of laboratories and effectively managing their capacity throughout their involvement in veterinary testing endeavors.

This decree will serve as a significant legislative provision in the domain of veterinary medicine, addressing the existing dearth of laws pertaining to the biosafety management of veterinary labs.

Furthermore, there are laws pertaining to the granting of laboratory certifications within the domain of veterinary testing. These regulations serve the purpose of enhancing the efficacy of state governance in the realm of veterinary medicine, as well as ensuring the successful prevention and control of animal illnesses.