Large-scale farms in Lao Cai strictly apply farm biosecurity amid African swine fever epidemics

Large-scale livestock farms stay safe thanks to strict biosecurity

The African swine fever “storm” swept through many localities of Lao Cai province and left serious consequences. It was a nightmare for hundreds of livestock farming households. However, amidst this gloomy period, there is still some light. All large-scale livestock farms stay safe thanks to strictly applied biosecurity.

According to a recent report from Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Environment, African swine fever has affected nearly 2,000 households, spreading to nearly 400 villages and residential groups in 55 communes and wards. The total number of pigs infected, dead, and forced to be destroyed has exceeded 13,000, equivalent to more than 700 tons of meat lost.

In response to the urgent situation, the provincial Department has organized many working groups to inspect and provide direct guidance in localities. More than 5,500 liters of disinfectants have been distributed to carry out disinfection, sterilization, zoning and epidemic containment work.

The African swine fever vaccination campaign has also been actively implemented. To date, over 11,000 doses of vaccine have been administered to pigs in over 40 communes and wards. Thanks to the drastic efforts and synchronous actions, the epidemic situation seems to have cooled down in recent days. Twenty-one days have passed without new outbreaks in six communes and wards (Tan Hop, Tram Tau, Gia Phu, Chan Thinh, Au Lau, Lao Cai), showing signs of positive developments.

Ninh Tran Phuong, Deputy Head of Lao Cai Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, Livestock Production, Animal Health, and Fisheries, said, "The main damages are still at small, fragmented farms. Meanwhile, all large-scale farms have not yet had any outbreaks of sick pigs. What makes this difference is that large farms are often isolated from residential areas. Farm biosecurity procedures are strictly and thoroughly implemented."

Multiple layers of protection from the inside out

While many households in Quy Mong commune are struggling due to African swine fever, Nguyen Huu Tri’s farm, with a capacity of 900 pigs for meat per batch, continues to operate without worries. “As soon as we heard about the epidemic, we adopted the mindset of ‘prevention is better than cure’. The farm has tightened control and strictly implemented farm biosecurity procedures, not dropping our guard at any moment,” said Le Van Hung, a technical officer at the farm.

The farm’s outer protective layer is set up right from the gate. The entire farm has only one entrance and exit, which is under control 24/7. Any strangers without business with the farm are strictly prohibited. All vehicles arriving must stop at the buffer zone outside. Drivers are not allowed to get out of the vehicle and enter the livestock area, and all chassis and wheels are thoroughly disinfected.

The gate and buffer zone checkpoint is the second security layer. Supplies and feed entering the warehouse must pass through a separate buffer room. Here, all outer cartons are removed, and the goods inside are thoroughly wiped with 70-degree alcohol. Each person entering and exiting receives protective gear and boots for each area and must dip their boots in a disinfectant tank and spray alcohol to wash their hands. The boundaries between the “clean – buffer – dirty” zones are clearly marked, with an immutable principle of “no crossing the line”.

As for the protective layer inside, the livestock area is where the measures are most frequently implemented. Cleaning and disinfection are carried out as a daily routine. The disinfectant solution in the boot dipping tanks is changed every day. The door handles and barn latches are carefully cleaned. Wet walkways are sprinkled with lime powder to prevent pathogens. Every week, the entire barn is thoroughly cleaned according to a strict 5-step process, and during the epidemic season, the frequency is increased to 2 - 3 times per week.

Giving out guides so everyone can become a wise farmer

Aiming to replicate and apply biosecurity measures for small-scale livestock farmers, the staff of the Lao Cai Agricultural Extension Center have recently implemented many communication sessions to provide livestock farmers with clear guidance.

Nguyen Thi Ha, Director of Lao Cai Agricultural Extension Center, said, “We identify communication and guidance for people as our top priority. Grassroots agricultural extension staff are assigned to closely follow the localities, coordinate with the commune authorities, go to every alley, knock on every door, and directly guide people on the most effective epidemic prevention measures.”

Since leaflet distribution did not bring the expected result, the center has come up with a more creative and practical way by establishing Zalo groups for each residential area, connecting livestock households directly with agricultural extension officers.

All directives and technical guidance documents from the central to local levels are updated to the group quickly and promptly. Through this, each person can become a wise livestock farmer when it comes to disease prevention and control.