No cattle deaths from winter chills in Vietnam

No cattle have died from the recent cold spell because of good vigilance, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MARD) Husbandry Department director, Hoang Kim Giao.

Giao said due to the lesson learned from last year's loss of cattle, MARD had issued many documents on preventing chills in cattle, mostly in the northern mountainous provinces where it was often extremely cold in winter.

Following interactions, provincial authorities have instructed local farmers to cover their pens and prepare fodder for them.

After investigations by the department, awareness of the need to protect the cattle has been strengthened, from provincial leaders to ordinary farmers whose cages have been repaired and covered with canvas.

Giao said that although no deaths were reported, he urged people not to be complacent as weather conditions were complicated.

He also said the husbandry sector must increase its awareness and the department would co-operate with relevant offices to inspect.

He also warned about the possible danger of hot weather, when epidemics could easily develop.