Isolate, suppress epidemics, and protect livestock

In recent days, in Thai Nguyen province, there have been cases of sick and dead pigs, especially in small-scale farming areas, with the risk of disease outbreaks among livestock. The authorities and functional agencies are taking drastic measures to localize, contain the epidemic, and protect livestock.

In early July, Mr. Duong Thanh Son's family (in Ngoai hamlet, Phu Binh commune) had sick and dead pigs, causing significant damage to the herd.

According to a quick report from the provincial Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries, from July 1 to 11, the whole province recorded more than 300 sick and dead pigs suspected of having African swine fever, with a total destroyed weight of more than 14 tons.

In Phu Binh commune, Mr. Nguyen Khac Cuong's household in Doan Ket hamlet suffered heavy losses, when in just a few days more than 30 sows and pigs died, even though these pigs were old enough to be sold, causing estimated losses of hundreds of millions of dong.

Not only Phu Binh, Dong Phuc commune, the northern part of the province, also recorded the situation of dead pigs. According to information from the Economic Department of Dong Phuc commune, in the past 10 days, the commune had 12 sick pigs die in 02 households in Na Dua and Na Bay villages. Dong Phuc commune authorities promptly instructed people to disinfect barns and strictly isolate to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading.

Worryingly, besides households that strictly follow regulations on burying and destroying dead pigs, there are still some people who lack awareness, throwing pig carcasses into the environment, even letting them float on the Dao River, causing serious pollution and increasing the risk of spreading pathogens.

Veterinary staff instruct people in Bach Quang ward on techniques to disinfect and sterilize barns.

Faced with this situation, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Thai Nguyen province has strongly directed localities to synchronously implement epidemic prevention and control measures. Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Duong Van Hao emphasized: We require communes and wards to mobilize all forces, organize inspections, closely monitor livestock, promptly destroy sick pigs, suspected sick pigs to quickly localize and contain the epidemic, and prevent it from spreading.

Currently, the Department has established a working group to directly support communes at risk of epidemics, guide the implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures; send 28 officers from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Products, and the Northern Branch of the Center for Agricultural Extension and Environment to directly go to communes to support epidemic prevention and control work. Direct the timely provision of disinfectant chemicals to places in need.

The province currently has about 830,000 pigs, with a livestock production value of about VND8,000 billion/year, accounting for 47% of the total value of the province's agricultural and forestry production. Therefore, protecting livestock, especially pigs, at this time is not only of economic significance but also ensures social security, stabilizes production and protects public health.

In addition to the drastic participation of the government and professional sectors, the self-awareness and responsibility of livestock farmers play a key role. Managing livestock in a biosafety-oriented manner, proactively reporting and promptly handling any abnormalities will contribute significantly to protecting livestock, minimizing damage, maintaining the environment and stabilizing people's lives.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/thoi-su-thai-nguyen/202507/khoanh-vung-dap-dich-bao-ve-dan-vatnuoi-50c1e1a/