Lam Dong restores the dairy cow herd post-epidemic

Restocking dairy cows to restore production

Dairy cows experiencing diarrhea and death after being injected with the lumpy skin disease vaccine NAVET-LPVAC of Navetco National Veterinary Joint Stock Company (Navetco JSC) caused great losses to dairy cow farmers in Lam Dong province.

Receiving compensation and support from Navetco JSC, the affected dairy farmers then actively took care of their herds to restore production. At the same time, they bought breeding stock from suppliers and unaffected farmers to promptly regain their herd size.

During the recent epidemic, Le Bo's family in Lien Hiep commune, Duc Trong district suffered heavy losses when 12 dairy cows died, greatly affecting the family's economy. After receiving compensation, the family ordered breeding cows from suppliers and restored the herd to 14 cows.

“I follow the instructions of the professional agencies, clean the barns, and spray disinfectant before raising new batches to avoid remaining pathogens that can harm the dairy cows. The local veterinary force also regularly visits, and supports the family with techniques and medicine to prevent diseases,” Bo said, adding that his herd has developed stably and produces approximately 200 kg of milk per day.

In a similar situation, Le Thanh Vu in Tu Tra commune, Don Duong district bought 5 calves to restore his dairy herd after receiving nearly VND 300 million in compensation and support from Navetco JSC. “The herd is now producing milk and developing stably. My family still complies with disease prevention measures and vaccinates periodically. I have recently started to vaccinate my family's dairy herd against lumpy skin disease,” he said.

Strict compliance with disease prevention measures

Don Duong district is a key dairy farming area in Lam Dong with nearly 16,000 cows. The recent disease outbreak not only caused economic losses to farmers but also affected the fresh milk supply for companies in the province. As the situation is now under control, the restoration of dairy herds is considered an urgent task to ensure production and recover the fresh milk supply.

According to Le Quang Trung, Director of Don Duong District Agricultural Center, farmers have proactively increased their dairy herds. Up to the present date, over 60% of the district’s total herds have been restored.

Striving for effective herd restoration, Don Duong District Agricultural Center recommends that dairy farmers choose breeding stock from reputable suppliers and households that are not affected by the epidemic. At the same time, they should increase barn hygiene and perform periodic vaccinations.

From the perspective of Pham Phi Long, Lam Dong Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries, the majority of farmers have has used the compensation and support money paid by Navetco JSC to reinvest in the herd. The care of the barn and the breeding stock is basically carried out by dairy farmers based on the available equipment and experience.

There are currently two major suppliers in Lam Dong province, namely TH Milk and Vinamilk. They have provided breeds so people can restore production as soon as possible. Farmers also contact a number of households not affected by disease outbreaks to place orders and acquire healthy breeds.

Animal disease prevention particularly in dairy cows is regularly carried out by Lam Dong People's Committee along with the Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries. The province also continuously strengthens communication to raise awareness of households about using vaccines and chemicals to prevent diseases as per state regulations.

Previously, more than 7,500 dairy cows were infected with the disease, of which more than 540 died after being injected with the lumpy skin disease vaccine NAVET-LPVAC of Navetco JSC. After determining the cause, the company actively coordinated with relevant parties to develop a compensation plan and support for dairy farmers who suffered losses.

By December 21, 2024, Navetco JSC had completed the daily payment of compensation and support for 350 households, totaling over VND 41 billion. With the efforts of the people and the support of local authorities, businesses, and experts, Lam Dong's dairy farming industry has made a strong recovery, and the source of raw milk has stabilized again.