Livestock farmers: understanding the role of vaccination

Currently, the complex weather conditions are affecting the immunity, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks among livestock and causing economic losses for the local population.

In light of this situation, Tien Yen District (Quang Ninh) has been actively implementing measures to prevent and control disease outbreaks, and promoting public awareness about proactive vaccination to protect livestock.

As the leading poultry supplier in Tien Yen District, Phuc Long Livestock and Agriculture Development Joint Stock Company (located in Dong Nguc commune) has consistently emphasized the importance of vaccinating poultry for disease prevention during the transitional period to enhance immunity and prevent dangerous illnesses.

Mr. Ly Van Sang, the Director of Phuc Long Company, stated, "Disease prevention is a crucial factor in ensuring the effectiveness of livestock farming. Therefore, our company is proactive in vaccinating poultry and breeding animals to protect the healthy development of livestock, providing healthy and quality breeding sources to livestock households in the area."

At present, the intricate climatic conditions are exerting an impact on the immune systems of livestock, thereby heightening the susceptibility to outbreaks of diseases. This phenomenon has led to detrimental economic ramifications for the local populace, as they grapple with significant losses within the agricultural sector.

In the case of Mrs. To Thi Luu's family in Dong Dam hamlet, Dong Nguc commune, Tien Yen District, the herd of cattle is not only a source of labor for production but also a significant family asset. Hence, ensuring the safety and health of their livestock is a top priority for the family.

She shared that in the past, due to her negligence and incomplete vaccination, the livestock often suffered from diseases such as hemorrhagic septicemia, skin inflammation, and more. However, with the guidance and encouragement from local veterinary officers, the family now diligently vaccinates their cattle.

"Thanks to regular and complete vaccinations, our livestock has developed well and suffered fewer illnesses. Currently, our family consistently maintains around 4-5 cattle in the barn. I also frequently raise awareness among the villagers in our hamlet and commune about the benefits of vaccinating livestock," Mrs. Luu shared.

In Tien Yen district, at this time, livestock households in the district have basically completed the vaccination of animals and sprayed disinfectants, sterilized the barn area and the surrounding environment to prevent diseases in livestock and poultry.

Mrs. Do Thi Duyen, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Tien Yen district, said that from the beginning of the year until now, the situation of diseases in livestock and poultry has been under control, with no outbreaks, so people feel confident in expanding their herds and scaling up animal husbandry.

To ensure the safety of livestock during the transitional period, the local authorities are focusing on guiding and advising livestock households to proactively implement disease prevention measures for their animals.

It is also essential to actively promote cleanliness in the barns, regular collection and transportation of waste from the breeding area, and timely as well as safe vaccination of animals according to the schedule.

Additionally, specialized units have collaborated with localities to organize training sessions, guiding people on how to care for livestock, regularly inspecting and monitoring animals to have timely solutions to prevent potential disease outbreaks.

Thanks to the proactive implementation of disease prevention measures for livestock, there have been no cases of livestock and poultry dying from diseases in Tien Yen district up to now.

However, according to this year's weather forecast, there are complex and unpredictable developments. Tien Yen district continues to disseminate recommendations for livestock households to be more proactive in implementing disease prevention measures, especially vaccinating animals to avoid economic losses.

According to statistics, in Tien Yen district, there are about 613,000 poultry, 9,000 pigs, and over 1,700 buffalo and cows. With the implementation of animal vaccination efforts, in the first phase of 2023, the district has carried out vaccinations for nearly 218,000 doses.

Among these, there are 1,720 doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, 1,430 doses of buffalo and cow hemorrhagic fever vaccine, 4,500 doses of pig swine fever vaccine, 201,000 doses of avian influenza vaccine, and 7,500 doses of rabies vaccine for dogs. The implementation process has received active support and cooperation from livestock households.