Farmers keep bird flu at bay

(24-05-2008)

A veterinarian sprays an anti-viral solution at a chicken farm in Tien Giang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Dinh Hue

LONG AN — While the avian flu epidemic spreads nationwide, many big chicken farms in Mekong Delta provinces are still safe from the scourge due to their self-contained chicken raising process and the automatic system of cooling.

This model is being employed by farmers in the Mekong Delta provinces of Can Tho, Vinh Long, Tien Giang and Kien Giang in co-operation with C.P Breeding Limited Liability Company.

Each province has between 100,000 and 450,000 chickens being raised at any given time according to this model.

Chickens are kept in self-contained coops equipped with cooling systems, suitable for every kind and age of chickens.

These cooling systems include fans with a diameter of 1.5m moving air over cold water, said Vo Van Thach, the owner of the biggest farm in An Phuoc Commune worth VND1.2 billion.

The temperature of each coop is regulated automatically and adjusted according to each type and age of chicken.

It is these systems that create a fresh living environment for the chickens, sheltered from pathogens such as the H5N1 virus.

"My chicken flocks are safe from the epidemic," said Tran Thanh Dai in Soc Trang City.

Moreover, the company helps the farmers by providing the breed, necessary techniques and veterinary support to help the farmers at every stage of the chicken-raising process.

"I’m no longer worried about either the input or the output," said Dai.

The farmers only need to pay attention to ensuring the technical standards of their coops.

After 45 days, when the chicken weighs 2.7 kg, the company will collect it and pay VND5,000 per chicken.

"By feeding 15,000 chickens, I can earn VND 72 million after a month and a half," said Thach.

In 2008, the company plans to co-operate with more farmers to increase the number of chickens raised in self-contained coops with cooling systems, said Duong Van Phan, the director of the company’s branch in Vinh Long Province. — VNS