Controlling coldwater fish disease is an easy task for highland people

Prevent disease to increase production efficiency

High mountains, cool air, and abundant clean water resources bring great advantages to the Lai Chau people, which helps them develop coldwater fish production models. Sung A Phong, a farmer in Sin Suoi Ho commune, Phong Tho district, has boldly borrowed capital since 2020 to raise coldwater fish, which has initially shown effectiveness. From selling commercial sturgeon, each year his farm brings in an income of nearly VND 400 million.

"There are many water sources flowing from waterfalls on the mountain here, so I think it will be suitable for raising sturgeon. Meanwhile, Sin Suoi lake is a tourist destination, so we won't have to worry about the output of the fish we raise. We only have to pay attention to the water source and disease prevention methods to keep the fish away from sickness," said Sung A Phong.

According to Vu Huu Luong, Head of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development of Phong Tho district, as the scale of production of people increases, it is necessary to pay attention to disease prevention and treatment for coldwater fish.

Farmers should strengthen monitoring of the health status of fish, and immediately report to specialized agencies and local authorities when fish are sick or suspected of being infected with disease so that timely measures can be taken.

When there is an epidemic, the fish tanks should have their water disinfected periodically with chemicals permitted for circulation on the market at the manufacturer's dosage. The goal is to destroy pathogens in the water environment and prevent the spread of disease to surrounding areas. Farmers must not discharge untreated or inadequately treated wastewater or waste into the environment.

Local authorities recommend farmers choose the right type of antibiotics, and ensure the right dosage, correct method and time as prescribed to avoid antimicrobial resistance from pathogenic bacteria. Farmers should also add vitamin C and multivitamins to fish feed at a dose of 2 - 3 g/kg for fish to eat continuously for 5 - 7 days as this helps the fish increase resistance and limit the effects of harmful bacteria.

Coldwater fish production requires large capital and advanced care techniques, so not many households are daring enough to invest. Local authorities therefore continue to attract businesses and cooperatives to join production and consumption links, while also providing guidance and training for farmers on production procedures and care techniques to sustainably develop this farming model.

Secure planning for sustainable development

Having witnessed the effectiveness of coldwater fish production, many localities with suitable climate and soil conditions have promoted the development of this industry. The model has helped many households escape poverty, and their economic life has become increasingly prosperous.

Tam Duong is one of the districts leading in coldwater fish production in Lai Chau province, with many people applying large-scale farming in Son Binh, Ho Thau, and Khun Ha communes. The whole district currently has 366 fish tanks with a total volume of nearly 33,000 m³. Every year Tam Duong produces more than 300 tons of fish sold to the market. Many households and facilities have made their own fish seeds to be proactive in terms of production and disease prevention instead of buying seeds from outside sources.

Lai Chau People's Committee has approved the land use planning for the 2021-2030 period of Tam Duong district, in which Son Binh commune is planned for approximately 18 ha of coldwater fish farming.

"The local government is focusing on communicating with fish farmers to ensure compliance with the land use planning approved by competent authorities. It also encourages people to comply with the farming and care process to prevent diseases specifically in the dry season due to lack of water," said Pham Dinh, Chairman of Son Binh Commune People's Committee.

According to Lai Chau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, developing coldwater fish farming is facing certain difficulties at present. The transport infrastructure and electricity grid are not synchronous, not meeting the needs of farming areas. The initial investment cost is high, the quality of the breed is not stable, and the granting of farming area codes has not been of interest to the people.

To overcome such difficulties, the unit has advised the Lai Chau People's Committee to approve the medium-term public investment plan for the period 2026 - 2030. Accordingly, it is proposed to build 35kV power lines, transformer stations, and roads to some potential coldwater fish farming areas in the province, build quarantine stations, implement farming area code registration, encourage and attract economic sectors to participate in investment, build coldwater fish breeding facilities, etc.