Vietnam’s veterinary sector must become more proactive, professional, and sustainable

75 years of important contributions to sustainable livestock development

On July 11, in Hanoi, Vietnam Veterinary Science and Technology Association held a ceremony to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Vietnamese veterinary sector’s traditional day.

In her opening speech, Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong, President of the Vietnam Veterinary Science and Technology Association, said, “Over 75 years of construction and development, the Vietnamese veterinary sector still demonstrates strong grownth, starting from small epidemic prevention teams during the resistance war to becoming a professional, synchronous organizational system, present in all localities, from remote areas to border gates and borderlands, from small-scale livestock farms to modern production chains.”

During its long journey, the veterinary sector has made important contributions to the development of sustainable livestock production, ensuring food safety, protecting the environment and human health. It has played its role as an indispensable link in the One Health approach.

Highly regarded by international communities

According to Duong Tat Thang, Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, the veterinary sector has made many important contributions to the overall development of the agricultural sector and the country since its establishment.

In terms of management, the veterinary sector built a fairly synchronous and complete system of legal documents on veterinary medicine, suitable for the requirements and practical development of the country associated with international integration.

Disease control in livestock and aquaculture is well executed, with clear milestones such as the complete elimination of the cattle plague in 1978. Vietnam’s veterinary force has successfully organized and built more than 3,780 disease-free livestock farming chains and areas, and prevented many dangerous epidemics that spread to humans, such as anthrax, avian influenza, rabies, streptococcus, and bovine tuberculosis.

The sector also applies information technology in registering and handling quarantine procedures on the national single-window customs system and online public services, contributing to reducing administrative procedures, promoting the export and import of animals and animal products, and controlling borders to prevent dangerous pathogens from entering Vietnam.

As of now, Vietnam has twelve enterprises researching and producing vaccines for animals that meet GMP-WHO standards, with a total of 218 types of vaccines that have basically met the needs of preventing common diseases in livestock and poultry. In particular, three types of African swine fever vaccines successfully developed by three enterprises have been granted circulation certificates.

In international cooperation, Vietnam has been an official member of the World Organization for Animal Health since 1951. Vietnam has made many important contributions and has been awarded the “Medal of Achievements and Dedication”. International communities widely recognize its role and position in the veterinary scene and always see Vietnam as a key model in many fields.

Leaving clear marks on many fronts

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien affirmed that over the past 75 years, Vietnam’s veterinary sector has closely followed professional and political tasks in each historical period, as the ultimate goal is to gradually build and develop strongly in the direction of professionalism and international integration.

The sector has made many important contributions to the overall development of the country, to agriculture, rural areas, farmers and the livestock industry in particular. It has left strong marks in many aspects, such as building a fairly comprehensive system of institutions and policies, synchronously and effectively implementing disease prevention work to meet quarantine and traceability standards, along with other strict technical requirements.

“75 years is a journey that we can be proud of, but there are still many challenges ahead. The integration process requires us to be more proactive, more professional, and more sustainable. Therefore, I hope and believe that the veterinary sector will resolutely innovate and stay united, responsible, efficient, and proactive,” said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.