Mong Cai proactively prevents epidemics for livestock

Currently, the weather is in the transitional period, which is a favorable opportunity for bacteria and viruses that cause diseases in livestock to develop. To ensure meat production for the end of the year, in addition to providing technical guidance and supporting households in re-herding and increasing herds, disease prevention and livestock protection in Mong Cai City are also being actively implemented.

Although there are no more outbreaks in the area, pig farms in Mong Cai are still proactively applying measures to prevent African swine fever.

Up to now, the total herd of livestock and poultry in Mong Cai city is estimated at 233,100. Of which, there are 4,100 buffaloes, 8,300 cows, 23,500 pigs, and 197,200 poultry. Although no disease outbreaks have been recorded in livestock and poultry, the city's agricultural sector is still proactively implementing disease prevention, especially in the complicated weather conditions of the changing seasons, which can easily cause many diseases.

On October 16, Mong Cai also issued Document No. 3249/UBND on strengthening the prevention of animal diseases and vaccination of livestock in the city. In particular, the control and prevention of African swine fever are also of special concern. Mong Cai is the locality that tested the African swine fever vaccine in early August with nearly 2,400 pigs from 180 households in 4 communes and wards of Hai Xuan, Hai Tien, Hai Dong, Hai Yen, and so far no outbreaks have been recorded in these households. From that result, many livestock households have proactively contacted local veterinary staff to learn about the vaccine and vaccinate their pigs.

Hoang Nam Safe Food Production and Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Services Cooperative currently has 200 sows and over 1,000 pigs (one of the largest Mong Cai pig breeding facilities in the city). Although there are no more outbreaks recorded in the area, this cooperative still strictly maintains disease prevention measures, from regular cleaning of barns, spraying disinfectants inside and outside the breeding area weekly, to booster vaccinations for adult pigs as well as new vaccinations for piglets as soon as they reach the right age.

To prevent epidemics, Hoang Nam Safe Food Production and Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Services Cooperative (Mong Cai City) conducts livestock farming according to a closed process.

Ms. Bui Thi My Le, Director of the Cooperative, said: Regarding the African swine fever vaccine, we are also one of the facilities that conducted the experimental injection last August. Although the results were very positive, we did not neglect other disease prevention measures. Our Cooperative always strictly instructs each member to comply with disease prevention measures.

In addition to proactively preventing and fighting African swine fever, the changing seasons are also favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to develop, potentially causing the emergence and outbreak of many diseases. In addition to actively organizing vaccinations for livestock and poultry, Mong Cai also organized a month of general cleaning and disinfection of livestock environments throughout the city, directly assigning veterinary officers in localities to guide livestock farmers in clearing grass and trees around barns, sweeping and collecting waste to burn or bury, and clearing sewers; disinfecting and spraying all barns, livestock areas and surrounding areas; proactively cleaning and disinfecting means of transporting livestock, poultry, livestock products, animal feed, etc. before entering and leaving the facility. Along with that, localities also proactively promoted the dissemination and guidance on livestock farming techniques.

In preparation for the end of the year, many livestock farmers have also increased their herds. *(Photo taken in Hai Yen commune, Mong Cai city)*

Ms. Le Thuy Hang, Veterinary Officer of Hai Yen Ward, said: From October 30 to November 30, the locality will deploy vaccinations for livestock and poultry. Then, we will conduct a review and vaccination from December 1 to 5, ensuring the vaccination rate reaches the maximum possible. At the same time, to prepare for winter, we also instruct farmers to implement good disease prevention and control measures, repair barns to ensure they are dry, not exposed to rain and wind; at the same time, enhance care and good nutrition to improve the resistance of livestock.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Mong Cai City, added: The city will also focus on monitoring and detecting epidemics early if they arise in the area, and handling outbreaks to prevent them from spreading widely. At the same time, it will strictly implement the provisions of the Veterinary Law, requiring communes and wards to report violations in vaccination work, avoiding vaccination for diseases on the list of diseases that must be vaccinated; make records of households that do not perform mandatory vaccination for livestock and poultry and send them to the People's Committees of communes and wards for consideration and handling according to the provisions of law.

Up to now, the vaccination rate for livestock and poultry in the city has reached about 50% of the total herd. Localities are also actively implementing vaccination, ensuring disease prevention and control.

According to calculations, the demand for meat consumed during Tet will increase by 10-15%. Quang Ninh is also a locality that imports most of its meat from other provinces. To ensure a balanced supply, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has also recommended that localities focus on preventing diseases to ensure that the total herd is not depleted.

Source