In early April 2026, China announced the discovery of over 200 cattle infected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus strain SAT1 in Gansu and Xinjiang provinces. This strain is not included in any vaccines currently available in Vietnam. According to experts, Vietnam has not yet recorded the presence of FMD SAT1. Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks in the province have mainly involved Type O – a strain already included in the vaccination program and controllable by vaccine. However, the risk of disease remains, especially given the large proportion of small-scale livestock farming, where disease control remains challenging.
Ms. Lo Thi Ua's family in Yen Chau commune currently raises six breeding cows. With guidance from veterinary officers, the family has proactively implemented disease prevention measures. The barns are regularly cleaned, disinfected periodically, and lime powder is applied. The cows have received all necessary vaccinations as instructed. Ms. Ua said: "My family was very worried when we heard about the emergence of a new virus strain. However, thanks to the specific guidance and information from veterinary officers, we now understand how to prevent the disease. We closely monitor the health of our livestock, and if we detect any unusual signs, we immediately report them to the veterinary officers for timely inspection and treatment."
Along with the awareness of farmers, the application of biosecurity practices in livestock farming is being effectively implemented in many localities. A typical example is the 3B cattle fattening model of Ms. Pham Thi Hang's family in Chieng Mai commune. The farm is planned on an area of more than 5 hectares, maintaining 250-300 cows, sold after 12-14 months of rearing, with a weight of over 600 kg/cow. Ms. Hang said: "My family always strictly follows biosecurity farming procedures. The barns are kept clean and well-ventilated; disinfectants are sprayed regularly. All feed for the cows is a mixture of corn, bran, agricultural by-products, and bio-fermented, ensuring both nutrition and limiting disease. The herd of cows is fully vaccinated according to regulations."
The province currently has over 718 large, medium, and small-scale livestock farms, along with over 181,000 household livestock farms, with a total herd of over 470,000 buffalo and cattle. The large scale of the livestock population poses a constant risk of disease outbreaks and spread if not properly controlled. Facing the potential risk of the Serotype SAT1 virus entering Vietnam, and in accordance with the Prime Minister 's directive, the Provincial Department of Livestock, Veterinary Medicine, and Fisheries has advised on and implemented comprehensive disease prevention and control measures throughout the province. During the first phase of the 2026 spring-summer season, the province distributed over 386,000 doses of various vaccines to communes and wards for vaccination. These included 275,200 doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine; 67,925 doses of bovine hemorrhagic septicemia vaccine; 6,950 doses of bovine anthrax vaccine; and several other types of vaccines. For vaccines not included in the support program, localities will continue to implement a socialized approach, encouraging livestock farmers to proactively vaccinate their animals, striving for a coverage rate of over 70% of the total herd.
Mr. Tran Van Sang, Deputy Head of the Veterinary Department, said: "We focus on solutions to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, guide livestock farmers to apply biosafety measures; and strictly control the transportation, trading, and slaughtering of livestock, especially in border areas. We focus on early detection, timely warning, and immediate handling of risks from the outset, preventing the spread of disease to the livestock community. At the same time, we are stepping up propaganda to raise people's awareness of disease prevention."
To proactively prevent and control disease outbreaks, the Provincial People's Committee has issued a directive instructing communes and wards to strengthen inspection and monitoring of livestock; promptly detect suspected cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), especially in border areas. Upon detecting suspected cases, localities must immediately report to veterinary agencies for sample testing to identify the virus strain, and then implement containment and eradication measures to prevent the formation of large outbreaks. For border areas, close coordination with border guards and customs is required to strengthen inspections at border gates, trails, and unofficial crossings. Simultaneously, resolute action must be taken against cases of smuggling and trading of animals and animal products of unknown origin to prevent the risk of disease entering from outside.
With no vaccine available for the new FMD virus strain, proactively vaccinating against existing strains, combined with biosecurity measures and early, remote disease control, is a key solution. The decisive involvement of all levels and sectors, along with the awareness of livestock farmers, will contribute to preventing the risk of disease outbreaks, protecting livestock herds, and maintaining sustainable livestock development in the province.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/chu-dong-phong-chong-dich-lo-mom-long-mong-w3GxAWAvg.html
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