Quang Binh helps farmers build disease-free livestock facilities

According to Nguyen Cam Long, Head of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development of Bo Trach district, the locality has focused on building a commune-level disease-free farm in recent years. This is one of the important solutions to prevent disease early from afar, thereby increasing efficiency in livestock production and minimizing damage caused by disease.

Bo Trach district so far has 3 communes, Son Loc, Dong Trach and Van Trach, which have been certified by Quang Binh Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health. “After being certified, the communes can send people to receive training from relevant units, support of vaccine and disinfectant chemicals,” Nguyen Cam Long said.

Van Trach commune has just been recognized for safe livestock production practices this year. This locality has focused on certain tasks to develop the industry in recent years. Van Trach commune currently has over 1,000 buffaloes, 7,000 pigs and 63,000 poultry.

“The commune has strengthened the forces of the semi-responsible veterinary cadres with 12 people in 12 villages. Those are people with expertise who are providing veterinary services in the area. We have also established a disease prevention department which consists of commune leaders, village heads and veterinary forces, totaling over 30 people,” said Nguyen Hai Luong, Chairman of Van Trach Commune People's Committee.

With firm determination, Van Trach commune has been proactive in the implementation of vaccination sessions all year round. Van Trach always strives to reach 100% of the plan on vaccination for cattle, pigs, poultry and vaccination against rabies. As a result, the diseases in livestock are prevented with no signs of outbreaks.

Tran Chuc's family in Dong village (Van Trach commune) has a pig farm with a decent area, with each litter with 35 - 40 porkers. In order to gain stability in the production process, he coordinates with the grassroots veterinary staff and takes measures to prevent disease for pigs such as using appropriate vaccines and spraying disinfectant in the farm area.

“Thanks to putting extra effort, the farm’s production is progressing very smoothly throughout the entire year and allows the family to earn high profits. Not only my family but all farmers who choose to raise even a modest number of pigs also pay great attention to disease safety. If they detect any abnormal condition from the livestock, farmers will quickly report so the veterinary force can quickly inspect instead of just hiding the potential source of disease,” said Chuc.

Unlike many others who push to develop a herd, the family of Nguyen Van Nhung in Nam village only raises two male cows for plowing. The two cows grow big and healthy thanks to him well-implementing disease prevention procedures.

Whenever there is news from other localities of an outbreak of lumpy skin disease or foot-and-mouth disease, village officials and veterinary staff would come to warn people to regularly clean the barns, get chemicals to clean the farm themselves and spread lime powder in buffalo cages for disinfection.

“At times like these, people in the alley work together and support each other. That’s why epidemics rarely occur. The environment around the barns is also cleansed to avoid pollution in the community,” said Nhung.

“In addition to coordinating with relevant units to strengthen information dissemination and encourage people to participate in building disease-safe livestock facilities, the grassroots veterinary force has also been strengthened by receiving extensive training and joining effective operations,” said Hoang Xuan Thanh, Head of Bo Trach Livestock Production and Animal Health Station.

The application of biosecurity measures is now deemed essential to control the spread and reduce the activity of the ASF virus. Key strategies include raising awareness among farmers, strengthening veterinary resources and establishing disease-free areas and facilities. These steps need to be taken at both the local and national levels and will play an important role in ensuring long-term stability for the livestock industry.

After successfully building a number of disease-free chains according to world standards, the industry will aim to build disease-free zones. Vietnam's current regulations on disease-free zones and facilities are still far behind considering the regulations of WOAH. Successfully building disease-free zones according to world standards will open up more opportunities to export Vietnamese livestock and poultry products to foreign markets.