Kim Anh commune builds a biosecurity shield around every livestock pen

In recent days, amid chilly weather and prolonged rains, the atmosphere in Kim Anh commune (Hanoi) remains bustling on farms and livestock facilities. For local farmers, the rainy season is not only about tending crops but also a critical period for keeping their livestock safe. Just a sudden cold wind or days of persistent rain could trigger disease outbreaks that cause severe losses.

“Right from the start of the rainy season, we launched synchronized disease prevention measures. Agricultural officers from the commune’s Economic Division work with villages to regularly inspect livestock pens, instruct farmers to cover and keep them dry and well-ventilated while ensuring warmth for the animals. Routine cleaning and disinfection are also strictly implemented. Farmers are advised to stock clean feed and water, minimizing exposure to rain or contaminated water sources,” said Nguyen Van Toan, Vice Chairman of Kim Anh Commune People’s Committee.

Building “multi-layer biosecurity fences”

Beyond temporary measures, Kim Anh commune has gradually developed a “multi-layer biosecurity fence” in livestock production - a key approach to reduce disease risks. Each household is guided to take specific steps: sprinkling lime powder around livestock areas, setting up disinfectant pits, controlling access to barns, and collecting and treating waste properly. As for better-off households, the commune encourages investment in mesh covers, drainage systems, and automatic lighting and heating systems to strengthen disease prevention.

“We don’t impose a clunky farming model but adapt it to each household’s conditions. Well-off families invest more, while poorer ones receive support from national target programs and the new rural development movement. The most important thing is to build awareness toward proactive, sustainable disease-prevention,” said a representative of Kim Anh commune’s leadership.

Thanks to comprehensive efforts, residents have become increasingly aware of livestock protection. A farm owner in Lam Truong village said, “In the past, I only cared about feeding my animals and rarely thought about disinfection or controlling access to the barns. But after receiving guidance from veterinary officers, I realized how important hygiene and regular disinfection are. Since following the procedures, my farm has been disease-free for over two years, and productivity has increased significantly.”

However, every journey has its bumps along the way. Small-scale operations and a sense of complacency remain among some households as they have yet to fully follow disease prevention protocols. “The hardest part is changing habits. Some farmers think small herds don’t need vaccination, or they feel reluctant to clean barns regularly. That’s why we always emphasize the priority of information dissemination,” said Le Thi Hai Yen, an officer in charge of agriculture at Kim Anh commune’s Economic Division.

To address this issue, the commune has strengthened direct communication at village meetings and integrated messages into activities of party branches, farmers’ associations, and women’s unions. Agricultural officers are assigned to closely monitor each household and guide them through every step, from covering and disinfecting barns to managing feed and water sources.

If any households deliberately violate rules, the commune would firmly issue warnings or official violation records to both deter and uphold discipline in disease prevention. As a result, public awareness has improved, and the number of households participating in vaccination and disinfection programs continues to rise.

Coordinated efforts toward sustainable livestock safety

To ensure veterinary work is effective, Kim Anh commune attaches special importance to collaboration with specialized city units. Every year, the commune proactively registers its vaccination plans according to the crops. Each campaign is closely supervised by higher-level veterinary officers to ensure correct procedures, dosage, and target coverage.

The commune also organizes training sessions on biosecure livestock practices, inviting experts to the villages to provide direct instruction. “On-site training helps farmers better understand and apply what they learn. Biosecure, low-emission, and environmentally friendly livestock models are gradually becoming a new trend here,” said Yen.

Synchronized implementation results in the commune’s annual vaccination rate consistently meeting and even exceeding targets. Many households have expanded their operations toward more concentrated, technology-based livestock farming. Several farm models combining crop cultivation and livestock in circular systems have shown promising economic results, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction and higher incomes for local residents.

“To build a model new rural commune, safe livestock production must come first, as it is the foundation of people’s livelihoods. We are pursuing that goal with shared responsibility and determination,” affirmed Nguyen Van Toan, Vice Chairman of Kim Anh Commune People’s Committee.