Mekong Delta's largest pig herd faces serious disease threats

According to Ho Huynh Mai, Acting Director of Dong Thap Sub-department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, the province currently has one of the largest livestock herds in the Mekong Delta. However, the industry still faces ample challenges. Market prices remain unstable, sometimes falling below production costs, while disease risks are constant. The larger the herd, the higher the risk of outbreaks if management and control are not strict.

The province is focusing on preventing two major diseases, namely African swine fever (ASF) and rabies. There are currently thirteen ASF outbreaks and seven rabies outbreaks. Although no human deaths from rabies have been recorded, the number of rabid dogs biting people is on the uptrend, thus increasing the risk of widespread transmission.

The ASF situation in pig herds is also becoming more complex. Many farmers are passive when it comes to using vaccines. This creates a sense of unease within communities, disrupting production and even forcing some facilities to shut down operations. Moreover, there are now signs of herds facing coinfections and immune overload.

Instead of contacting just one disease, many herds are simultaneously infected with PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome), PCV2 (porcine circovirus disease), and swine influenza. The combination increases the severity of illness, creating complex respiratory syndromes that are difficult to treat. Mycotoxins in feed further weaken pig immunity, reduce vaccine effectiveness, and increase susceptibility to disease.

“To protect livestock, farmers need to understand the risks of coinfection, actively monitor herd health, and adopt comprehensive preventive solutions. This not only minimizes economic losses but also builds the foundation for safe, sustainable livestock farming,” Nguyen Minh Vu, Technical Director of Duc Tue Services and Trading Company in Ho Chi Minh city, said.

To overcome challenges and maintain stable production, farmers must adopt synchronous and practical science-based solutions. These include applying new technologies, understanding policies, and keeping up with livestock and veterinary market information.

One of the recent key advances in disease prevention is the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine, authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and successfully field-tested nationwide. As for guidelines, market pigs from four weeks of age require only a single shot.

AVAC ASF LIVE provides at least five months of protection. This vaccine is of particular value because it can be used even in outbreak zones, helping farmers actively protect their herds, limit losses, and maintain stable production.

Huynh Tat Dat, Deputy Director of Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has approved the circulation of several ASF vaccines nationwide. We encourage farmers to use them but stress the importance of following manufacturer and veterinary instructions to achieve the highest effectiveness.”

ASF vaccination is currently not included in the national immunization program, so it remains at a recommendation level, and vaccination rates are still low. Moving forward, the province will continue to strengthen farmers’ awareness and guide them on a combination of solutions, including biosecurity in farming, environmental sanitation, and active ASF vaccination. These integrated measures will help protect livestock, reduce outbreak risks, and restore farmer confidence in production.

After Vietnam’s provincial merger, the total pig population of Dong Thap reached nearly 470,000, equal to 99% of the annual target and up 13% from the previous year. To ensure food security toward the end of the year, the agricultural sector relays advisories to the provincial government. Local authorities will give directives to departments and localities on the implementation of synchronized measures, preventing disease outbreaks and large-scale spread.

On September 30, the First Congress of the Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee, term 2025 - 2030, held a preparatory session, receiving the participation of 450 official delegates. One of the prominent strategic directions this Congress set out is to develop ecological and modern agriculture in association with value chains. Dong Thap is determined to become a pioneer in “green agriculture, modern countryside, and civilized farmers”.

Dong Thap has made its mark with six breakthroughs: agricultural development, investment in key products and driving forces, enterprise development, start-ups, infrastructure construction, human resource development, and administrative reform and Party building. These steps have contributed to shifting the focus of agriculture from production to economy, increasing the value of rice, fruit, pangasius, and ornamental flowers while creating close linkages with the processing industry and expanding export markets.