Establish clear procedures and protocols for handling emergency animal disease outbreaks.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha delivers a speech. (Photo: Pham Kien/VNA)

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , the draft Decree consists of 3 chapters and 15 articles; its scope of application is to support production facilities that have animals and animal products that must be destroyed due to disease outbreaks; and individuals participating in the prevention and control of animal diseases.

The decree stipulates the level of support for the destruction of animals and animal products in areas with confirmed outbreaks or disease clusters; for livestock farmers; and for those directly involved in disease control (including those with and without state salaries).

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy stated that disease prevention and control in livestock farming is a routine process starting from farming activities, procedures, breeding stock, standards, farm size, vaccination, etc., and has received financial support from the central and local governments, as regulated in various documents.

Therefore, the Decree focuses on regulating the response process when an outbreak occurs (quarantine, culling, restocking); support for livestock farmers affected by the disease, and for those participating in disease prevention and control.

In addition, the Decree has incorporated disease prevention policies (support for early culling, support for forces participating in disease prevention activities); and support for post-disease recovery to help livestock farmers restore production.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha requested the drafting agency to clarify the purpose, practical requirements, and urgency of the Decree, especially its scope and subjects of application, particularly in the current context where the disease situation, especially in aquaculture, remains very complex.

However, disease prevention efforts have lacked proactiveness, clear assignment of responsibilities, hierarchical management, and task allocation.

Regarding the changes in the Decree's approach, methods, support mechanisms, and investment for disease prevention and control compared to before, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized: "If prevention is not effective, then control will be difficult. The policy mechanisms for prevention and control must be very clear. We must determine that 'prevention is key,' and prevention will determine the effectiveness of disease control."

Suggesting a similar approach to disaster prevention and control, viewing it as an ongoing task requiring high levels of proactiveness, strong decentralization, specific task assignment, and capacity building, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that support policies need to be timely, focused on the right target groups, and targeted in key areas.

Policies related to epidemic control, support, and damage mitigation must be finalized and fully integrated into the Decree, ensuring consistency, uniformity, and avoiding overlap.

Requesting clarification on the procedures for implementing disease control activities at small-scale livestock farms, concentrated livestock farms, and industrial-scale farms, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that there must be a well-trained disease control force, with "the right people for the right jobs," at concentrated livestock farms and industrial-scale farms.

In the event of a disease outbreak in small-scale livestock farms, local specialized agencies (veterinary, environmental, preventive health, etc.) are responsible for advising, mobilizing, and coordinating disease control efforts.

"It is necessary to establish clear processes and procedures so that in urgent situations, livestock facilities, especially concentrated facilities, can respond promptly," the Deputy Prime Minister requested.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to continue researching regulations on insurance in livestock farming, especially for large-scale livestock businesses and production chains, to prevent the situation where "profits are enjoyed, while the State takes care of the disease outbreak."

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