Building biosecurity shields for every livestock shed

Amid chilly weather interspersed with prolonged rains, farming activities in Kim Anh commune (Hanoi) have remained bustling across farms and household operations. For local residents, the rainy season is not only a time to tend crops, but also a decisive period for livestock safety. Just one sudden cold windy day or persistent rain can trigger disease outbreaks and cause heavy losses.

“From the very start of the rainy season, we have simultaneously deployed disease prevention and control measures. The commune’s Economic Division officers in charge of agriculture work with village authorities to regularly inspect and guide farmers on proper barn shielding, keeping floors dry and ventilated while still retaining warmth for the animals,” said Nguyen Van Toan, Vice Chairman of the Kim Anh Commune People’s Committee.

Routine cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are strictly carried out. Livestock owners stockpile feed and clean water, minimizing animals’ exposure to rain or polluted water sources. The commune has also coordinated full vaccination against mandatory diseases, including avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, and African swine fever. “Vaccination is not only about avoiding losses, but also a shield protecting the whole community. We see this as a shared responsibility,” Toan said.

Building a “multi-layer biological fence”

Beyond short-term measures, Kim Anh commune has gradually formed a “multi-layer biosecurity fence” in livestock production, which is seen as a key approach to reducing disease risks.

Accordingly, each household is guided through concrete steps: spreading lime powder around livestock areas, setting up disinfection pits, controlling access to barns, and properly collecting and treating waste. For households with better conditions, the commune encourages investment in protective netting, drainage, and automated lighting and heating systems to enhance disease prevention.

According to a representative of the commune authorities, Kim Anh does not impose a rigid approach but instead adapts to each household’s circumstances. “Well-off households can invest more, while disadvantaged ones receive support from national target programs and new rural development initiatives. The most important thing is building proactive disease-prevention awareness,” he said.

As a result, many livestock farmers in the commune have shifted their mindset from relying on officials to voluntarily implementing biosecurity procedures. They understand that each disinfection pit and each sterilization session not only protects their own animals, but also helps maintain a safety “perimeter” for the entire community.

However, the journey has not been entirely smooth. Kim Anh still has a proportion of small-scale, fragmented livestock households, and some residents remain complacent, failing to fully comply with prevention procedures.

“The hardest part is changing habits. Some households think that with only a few animals, vaccination isn’t necessary, or they hesitate to clean barns frequently. That’s why we believe communication must come first,” said Le Thi Hai Yen, an officer of the Kim Anh Commune Economic Division in charge of agriculture.

To address this, the commune has intensified direct outreach in hamlets, integrating messages into party cell meetings and farmer and women’s union gatherings. Agricultural officers are assigned to closely follow each household, providing step-by-step guidance from shielding and disinfection to feed and water management.

In particular, the commune highlights exemplary households to replicate models and create a ripple effect. “When people see their neighbors doing it right, with healthier animals and fewer diseases, they naturally adjust. Practical examples are often more persuasive than words,” Yen said.

Coordinated efforts toward safe and sustainable livestock farming

Given the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency in veterinary work, Kim Anh places strong emphasis on coordination with specialized city-level units. Each year, the commune proactively registers seasonal vaccination plans, with campaigns closely supervised by higher-level veterinary officers.

This commune also organizes training sessions on biosecure livestock techniques, inviting specialists to provide hands-on guidance at the hamlet level. “On-site training helps farmers understand and apply techniques more easily. Safe, low-emission, and environmentally friendly livestock models are gradually becoming a new local trend,” said Le Thi Hai Yen.

Thanks to synchronized implementation, the commune’s annual vaccination rates consistently meet or exceed assigned targets. Many households have confidently expanded production toward more concentrated models while applying technology. Several integrated farm–crop circular models have begun delivering high economic returns, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction and higher incomes for farmers.

Beyond disease safety goals, veterinary work in Kim Anh aims for a sustainable livestock sector that adapts to climate change and meets Hanoi’s veterinary hygiene standards. “To develop a model new rural area, safe livestock farming must come first, as it is the core livelihood of the people. We are steadily moving in that direction through collective responsibility and commitment,” said the Vice Chairman of the Kim Anh Commune People’s Committee.