Foot-and-mouth disease threatens livestock in Xiangyang

According to the people of Pung village (Luu Kien commune - Tuong Duong), for more than a week now, people have discovered that some buffaloes and cows have signs of drooling in their mouths, an early sign of foot and mouth disease. However, because they subjectively thought it was due to the hot weather, few people paid attention. But now, the epidemic has become complicated.

Ms. Dam Thi Huyen, whose household has 10/10 cows infected with the disease, said: For many days now, the whole family has been worried because the buffaloes and cows have been vaccinated and treated, but the signs of disease reduction are very slow.

People of Pung village (Luu Kien commune - Tuong Duong) bring buffaloes and cows home to take care of. Photo: Dao Tho

According to Mr. Vi Van Doan - Head of Pung village: The whole village has more than 300 buffaloes and cows, and so far more than half have been infected. My family alone has 10 buffaloes and cows, and 8 have been infected. We are very worried and have reported to the commune to find a way to stop the epidemic.

People use forest leaves to treat foot-and-mouth disease in livestock. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Mai Van Hoang - Head of the Veterinary Station of Tuong Duong district said: "After hearing the report from the commune, we have carried out vaccination and quarantined the epidemic area, and at the same time sent staff to closely monitor the area even during holidays. Currently, in addition to vaccination to prevent the epidemic from spreading, we also propagate to people to use sour and astringent leaves to treat diseases."

However, despite the warning, some people still mix used oil with flashlight batteries and apply it to the legs of buffalo and cows. This is very dangerous because it can cause infection to the livestock.

Some people still use used oil mixed with flashlight batteries to apply on the wounds of buffaloes and cows despite warnings that it can cause infection. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Lo Kham Kha - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tuong Duong district said: "Currently, it is the season change so the disease outbreak is happening. In addition to Luu Kien commune, foot and mouth disease has also broken out in some localities such as Xa Luong, Tam Thai, Tam Dinh... but basically we have controlled it. However, the most difficult thing now is that it often rains heavily, so spraying disinfectant also takes a lot of effort and money"./.