Spraying and disinfecting barns in Long An Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

LONG AN — The Long An Province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will allocate more than VNĐ6.3 billion (US$271,000) to strengthen the prevention of animal diseases this year.

In particular, the province will focus on diseases such as African swine fever, avian influenza A/H5N1, A/H5N6 and A/H5N8, foot-and-mouth disease, and skin rash.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the risk of animal diseases in 2023 is very high.

According to local reports, several dangerous animal diseases are spreading.

Last year, more than 1,150 outbreaks of African swine fever were discovered across 51 provinces and cities, and 53,000 pigs were destroyed.

As many as 240 outbreaks of dermatomyositis among buffaloes and cows have been discovered in 16 provinces. So far, 2,255 buffaloes and cows have been infected, and 442 culled.

Weather changes have also created good conditions for pathogens to spread.

Đinh Thị Phương Khanh, deputy director of the department, said that since 2022, animal diseases have been controlled, creating favourable conditions for livestock development, ensuring food supply for domestic consumption and boosting the export of animals and animal products.

However, experts assessed that the above pathogens still circulate at a relatively high rate in many localities, including Long An.

Authorities need to strictly handle those who attempt to conceal any disease, including those who transport animals suspected of being infected and illegally dump dead animals.

Veterinary departments must also strengthen the management and control of the slaughter of animals. — VNS