Contact-free livestock farming: A simplified biosecurity model

African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to become a great threat to Vietnam's livestock industry. According to reports by the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), since the beginning of 2025, hundreds of outbreaks have been recorded in many provinces, causing significant economic losses for smallholder farmers, who are the most vulnerable to the disease.

In response, state agencies and businesses have actively created the most favorable conditions to help farmers prevent and control epidemics, repopulate herds efficiently, and move toward sustainable livestock production.

From the state management agency side, the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health has intensified programs to raise farmers' awareness and skills. Mr. Pham Kim Dang, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, emphasized that biosecurity is the key factor in disease control and that contact-free livestock farming is an effective simplified highlight of biosecurity.

Basic principles such as barn sanitation, contact control, and the use of vaccines have been widely disseminated through the grassroots veterinary network. Numerous local training sessions have been organized to guide farmers in applying measures suitable for their actual conditions. However, success or failure largely depends on the strict compliance of farmer households.

Specifically, the Department has recommended that the Government issue Decree 106/2024/ND-CP, which regulates support policies to improve livestock efficiency with a focus on smallholder farmers. Effective from September 20, 2024, the decree provides support on breeds, farming environments, and the production of feed from domestic raw materials, helping farmers reduce costs and increase productivity.

More recently, Decree 116/2025/ND-CP on animal disease recovery support was promulgated and took effect on July 25, 2025. This document specifies compensation levels when outbreaks occur, such as VND 40,000/kg of live weight for pigs, helping farmer households minimize economic losses and feel secure in repopulation.

These policies not only serve as a "shield" to protect farmers' livelihoods but also encourage the application of modern, sustainable livestock farming models. According to experts, providing support before outbreaks occur is more effective than post-epidemic compensation, saving state resources and reducing the burden on farmers.

Alongside government efforts, enterprises also play a crucial role. Amavet Veterinary Medicine Business JSC, for example, has successfully developed and implemented the contact-free livestock farming model. Mr. Nguyen Van Bach, Director of Amavet Company, emphasized that this model offers an effective, low-cost solution for ASF prevention and control.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Bach, for a household raising 100 pigs, the initial investment cost is only about VND 3 million, covering fencing nets, lime powder, cement for closed canal systems, and disinfectant sprayers. This model transforms the farming area into an "isolated island," minimizing human–animal contact during feeding, barn cleaning, and even vaccination.

Amavet has implemented sample models at its dealerships in Ha Tinh and Tuyen Quang and will soon expand to Bac Ninh, followed by technology transfer conferences for local farmers. The company also coordinates with functional agencies to disseminate the benefits of this model.

To enhance effectiveness, Director of Amavet Company Nguyen Van Bach proposed establishing livestock associations at the commune level, where farmers can share experiences and receive technical support from specialized agencies and businesses. At the same time, local governments should provide infrastructure support to help farmers adopt biosecurity measures, rather than relying solely on post-outbreak compensation. Combined with strict regulations, such as withholding support from those who fail to comply, this approach would encourage greater responsibility among farmer households.

Overall, the joint efforts from the State to businesses are creating strong momentum for pig farming households. By raising awareness and providing financial and technical assistance, Vietnam is moving toward a sustainable livestock industry that ensures food security and improves farmers' livelihoods. To maximize efficiency, farmers need to proactively comply with biosecurity practices, turning challenges into opportunities for development.

*USD 1 = VND 26,176 (Source: Vietcombank)