MARD leader: prioritize efforts to address avian flu and rabies

The mortality rate of dogs and cats owing to rabies has surged by 92.75%

The Department of Animal Health reported at the meeting that it had successfully executed its assigned responsibilities. The Department promptly provided paperwork to build National Animal Quarantine Stations along the North-South route and swiftly collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant areas to aggressively engage and negotiate with China to eliminate the prohibition on importing chicken from Vietnam. China has indicated that it is contemplating the possibility of removing the prohibition on importing chicken from Vietnam, in conjunction with the Ministry's evaluation of potential risks via a questionnaire. Presently, the Department is analyzing and amalgamating data in order to provide a timely response, which will be promptly sent to the General Department of Customs.

From the beginning of the year, the entire country has encountered 7 cases of avian influenza A/H5N1 in 7 provinces and cities, resulting in 11,569 infected poultry and 12,424 poultry deaths and destruction, representing a 29.3% increase. Additionally, there have been 171 cases of African swine fever in 31 provinces and cities, with 5,097 infected pigs and 5,508 pig deaths and destruction. The number of outbreaks increased by more than 61% compared to the same period last year, while the number of dead and destroyed pigs decreased by 14.28%. There were 113 cases of animal rabies in 27 provinces and cities, resulting in 266 dead and destroyed dogs and cats. Compared to the same period, the number of outbreaks increased by 2.56%, and the number of dead and destroyed dogs and cats increased by 92.75%.

The Department has partnered with localities and businesses to construct animal disease areas that adhere to both Vietnamese standards and the standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Additionally, the Department has conducted training courses on preventing and controlling African swine fever, as well as implementing biosafety measures in pig farming to prevent the spread of the disease. These training courses are specifically designed for veterinary officials in all 63 provinces and cities. Furthermore, the Department has taken the lead in developing two drafts on guidelines for establishing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free zones in accordance with the standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health. Lastly, the Department is actively monitoring the presence of the Coronavirus in wildlife within Vietnam.

In the first quarter of 2024 (December 15, 2023 - March 14, 2024), a total of approximately 541 hectares of aquaculture area suffered from disease outbreaks, marking a 29.5% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year, when nearly 767 hectares were affected. Common diseases affected nearly 244 aquaculture pens.

The Department continues to provide technical advice to communities, organizations, and people about the prevention and management of "translucent post-larvae disease" (TPD) or "glass post-larvae disease" (GPD). Localities are being strongly encouraged to enforce the "National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Some Dangerous Aquatic Animal Diseases Phase 2021-2030" and formulate the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for 2024.

Regarding trade development efforts for exporting swiftlet's nests and swiftlet-related items, the Chinese Customs General Administration has granted approval to 9 factories from 9 firms to export processed swiftlet's nests and swiftlet-related products to China. The Department of Animal Health is now engaged in talks to facilitate the sale of avocado products to the Japanese market. As part of this effort, the department is assisting three firms in fulfilling the necessary export registration requirements on the TRACES system for the European Union. In addition, the Department is actively promoting exports to the South Korean, British, and Mongolian markets. It is also engaged in the preparation of answers and export registration paperwork specifically for China.

The Department of Animal Health has announced its intention to closely monitor the occurrence of diseases both domestically and internationally. It will provide recommendations and execute steps to prevent and control diseases, with a particular focus on avian influenza, rabies, and African swine fever.

Enhancing collaboration with the health sector to effectively exchange information on zoonotic illnesses, particularly rabies, in order to implement prompt response strategies. In addition, the Department will persist in executing international programs and activities backed by international organizations and nations such as FAO, CDC USA, and USDA. These initiatives focus on proactive monitoring, alerting, and prevention of illnesses in livestock and poultry.

In relation to the task of animal quarantine, the Department will collaborate closely with local authorities to determine the source of animals during the process of transportation quarantine. We will rigorously adhere to animal quarantine regulations and provide animal quarantine certificates and animal product certificates in accordance with veterinary legislation.

Vaccination is a powerful defense mechanism

During the conference, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the need for disease prevention, biosafety, and other medical solutions to promote the growth of animal husbandry.

During the first quarter of the year, pig farming had a growth of 3.3%, while poultry farming saw a growth of 2.1%. However, cow and buffalo farming declined. Despite this, meat production nevertheless surpassed 2 million tons, marking a growth of 4.5%. Additionally, aquaculture reached a total of 1.92 million tons, with a growth rate of over 3%... The Deputy Minister highlighted the crucial significance of veterinary work in attaining these outcomes.

The Deputy Minister belives that the efforts to prevent and control diseases are being effectively carried out. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's leadership explicitly highlighted the need to prioritize efforts in preventing and controlling rabies.

"Our reaction to policies is highly responsive and punctual, however, it is crucial to focus on the execution within the organization." "Vaccination is an effective defense mechanism, as evidenced by the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien suggests that the most effective vaccine is one that is administered at an early stage."

Furthermore, it is essential to properly monitor and oversee the immunization of African swine fever and avian influenza to avoid the spread of these illnesses. The Deputy Minister also proposed prioritizing another crucial domain, namely disease management in aquaculture, necessitating expert advice, farming protocols, vigilant care, disease prevention measures, and biosecurity measures for both pond culture and cage culture in marine environments.

The issue of export and import also requires emphasis. Although the market has been opened, it is still essential to conduct meticulous examinations following legislation. Establishing suitable technological barriers is crucial for achieving a balance between exports and imports. The Deputy Minister asserts that trade promotion needs a distinct and tailored approach.

In recent decades, there have been several beneficial developments in animal slaughter. However, the Deputy Minister has recommended the continued monitoring of these improvements to guarantee the safety of food.

The Deputy Minister suggested doing a comprehensive study and assessment of drug and vaccine management issues, including examining untested facilities and providing resources to enable testing, evaluation, and the resolution of infrastructure concerns.