Livestock diseases set to re-emerge in Vietnam

 

 

Vietnamese animal health officials predict that foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD), blue-ear disease (PRRS) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) will soon return to the south of the country.

 

These diseases could resurge in livestock in the southern provinces before this year ends, according to the Animal Health Office Zone VI under the Department of Animal Health (DAH).

 

According to an official source, FMD could recur in Cuu Long, Mekong Delta provinces and southeastern provinces bordering with central provinces and Cambodia as they had low vaccination rates in the first half of the year.

 

In addition, the transport of livestock from northern and central provinces to southern provinces had not been strictly managed, said the office, which oversees animal health issues in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Ninh Thuan Binh Thuan, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An, Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces.

 

DAH reported that FMD is now in the Tay Nguyen, Central Highland province of Dak Nong and central provinces of Quang Ngai, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Ha Tinh.

 

It also said PRRS, also infected a herd of six pigs in the Cuu Long Delta province of Bac Lieu on August 21. It is also recurring in Ba Ria, Vung Tau and Dong Nai provinces.

 

Animal Health Office Zone VI said the disease may reappear in provinces such as Lam Dong, Binh Phuoc, Ba Ria–Vung Tau and Long An which breed large quantities of livestock and have many slaughter houses that are not properly inspected.

 

Vietnam is currently free of bird flu but there is a high risk of outbreaks before the year end as many farmers have not vaccinated their ducks.

 

Tay Ninh Province will set up its first four border livestock stations to control cattle being shipped from Cambodia and prevent possible diseases from entering the country.

 

The province has contracted to build the stations in the two border districts of Tan Bien and Chau Thanh.

 

The provincial authorities have requested the two districts, relevant departments and transport companies to follow quarantine rules which require animals to be quarantined for 15 days, inoculated and tested before entering the country.

 

The provincial authority will also give incentives to strengthen cross-border trade with Cambodia such as reducing import tariffs and opening more markets and border gates.