November 8, 2024 | 22:32 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Thursday- 09:33, 31/10/2024

Nghe An proposes to build district-level disease-free zones

(VAN) Possessing a large herd of livestock always poses a high risk of disease. To control it well, Nghe An must build district-level disease-free zones.
Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health (front row, right) directly inspected the epidemic situation in Nghe An. Photo: Viet Khanh.

Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health (front row, right) directly inspected the epidemic situation in Nghe An. Photo: Viet Khanh.

A matter of great urgency

On October 29, Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) directly inspected the work of disease prevention and control and the construction of disease-free zones/facilities in Nghe An, a province with the biggest size of livestock and poultry herds in Vietnam.

Information from Nghe An Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health shows that despite facing many difficulties and challenges in recent years, the local livestock industry has maintained a fairly comprehensive growth rate. The growth rate of production value in 2023 is estimated at 5.7%, exceeding the planned target. The proportion of livestock in pure agriculture experiences a decent increase, estimated at 48%. The total output of fresh meat for slaughter reaches 279,322 tons.

Nghe An has one of the highest livestock herds in Vietnam. Photo: Viet Khanh.

Nghe An has one of the highest livestock herds in Vietnam. Photo: Viet Khanh.

As of October 2024, Nghe An has a total herd of over 800,000 buffaloes and cows, over 1 million pigs, and over 37 million poultry. However, the larger the number of livestock, the higher the risk of disease outbreaks, especially in the context of household-scale farming still accounting for a large proportion of the local industry.

Since the beginning of 2024, the whole province has recorded a number of epidemics in livestock, including African swine fever, lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, rabies, etc. Thanks to proactive consultation and disease prevention work, epidemics have been handled in a timely manner.

Large livestock farming brings along many potential risks of diseases. Photo: Viet Khanh.

Large livestock farming brings along many potential risks of diseases. Photo: Viet Khanh.

The current situation is under control, but Nghe An’s livestock industry cannot put aside its worries, which is completely reasonable considering the overall factors. Household and small-scale livestock farming methods plus unusual weather developments are major barriers during the disease prevention process.

It is forecasted that dangerous epidemics will continue to occur in livestock, poultry, and aquatic products in Nghe An. The unpredictable development of diseases has caused concern for the majority. In order to minimize risks, many large-scale livestock farms have proactively reduced their herd size, one of which is the household of Nguyen Canh Hoang, residing in Hamlet 1, Trang Son Commune, Do Luong District.

A working group from the Department of Animal Health gathers information on the current disease situation at a household livestock farm in Do Luong district, Nghe An. Photo: Viet Khanh.

A working group from the Department of Animal Health gathers information on the current disease situation at a household livestock farm in Do Luong district, Nghe An. Photo: Viet Khanh.

“At its peak, my family owned a total herd of 400 - 500 pigs per year. Since the widespread outbreak of African swine fever, there have been many disruptions in the production chain. My farm has always been proactive in vaccinating and combining other response measures, so the situation is basically well controlled. However, it is difficult to predict all external risks. After thinking about it, reducing the herd is the most optimal solution, so I currently maintain only nearly 200 pigs,” said Nguyen Canh Hoang.

The Department of Animal Health and Nghe An Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health had a meeting to discuss disease response plans and find long-term solutions. Photo: Viet Khanh.

The Department of Animal Health and Nghe An Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health had a meeting to discuss disease response plans and find long-term solutions. Photo: Viet Khanh.

Must put the interests of people and businesses first

Discussing the solution, Dang Van Minh, Head of the Nghe An Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, said, “Nghe An is a province with a large size of livestock herds. If only consumed domestically, supply will exceed demand”.

In accordance with the direction of the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on exporting animal products specifically the Chinese market, Nghe An province has immediately registered and built a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) safe zone in Nghia Dan district and Thai Hoa town.

The resources required to complete this goal are not small, thus demanding the State, businesses and people to work together. The province also encourages businesses operating in the livestock industry to invest in modern equipment and apply high-tech production procedures to increase economic value and prevent diseases effectively.

Director of the Department of Animal Health Nguyen Van Long affirmed that building disease-free zones will open up many opportunities for the livestock industry to develop. Photo: Viet Khanh.

Director of the Department of Animal Health Nguyen Van Long affirmed that building disease-free zones will open up many opportunities for the livestock industry to develop. Photo: Viet Khanh.

The North Central region currently has 278 disease-free facilities and 2 commune-level disease-free zones in Quang Binh for rabies and classical swine fever, but there are no district-level disease-free zones. Nghe An's success in building them would be considered a major breakthrough for this province.

Author: Viet Khanh

Translated by Samuel Pham

Mekong subregion cooperation to manage transboundary water resource

Mekong subregion cooperation to manage transboundary water resource

(VAN) The 10th ACMECS Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit convened under the theme 'Toward a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development.'

EU officials reject changes to anti-deforestation law

EU officials reject changes to anti-deforestation law

(VAN) The European Union aims to finalize a trade deal with South American countries despite mixed reactions to a law banning imports of products linked to deforestation.

Chinese Premier commits to further opening market for Vietnamese agricultural products

Chinese Premier commits to further opening market for Vietnamese agricultural products

(VAN) Chinese Premier Li Qiang has confirmed China’s commitment to further opening its market to high-quality Vietnamese goods, including agricultural products.

Beware of white spot syndrome in shrimp when La Nina returns

Beware of white spot syndrome in shrimp when La Nina returns

(VAN) La Nina is likely to reappear later this year, which is causing concern among shrimp farmers because of potential white spot syndrome outbreaks.

Lower the risks in shrimp farming with microorganisms

Lower the risks in shrimp farming with microorganisms

(VAN) Complex disease developments are affecting farmed shrimp to some extent. Facilities are promoting the application of microorganisms to minimize risk.

Promising new potential of forest carbon credit in Vietnam

Promising new potential of forest carbon credit in Vietnam

(VAN) Experts believe that the forest carbon market holds significant potential to generate considerable revenue for the forestry sector.

Poultry industry leaders recognised at Good Farm Animal Welfare awards

Poultry industry leaders recognised at Good Farm Animal Welfare awards

(VAN) There were 13 Good Egg Award winners this year from across the globe, which were recognised for their cage-free egg commitments, including the first Good Egg Award in India for producer Happy Hens Farm.

Read more