Foot-and-mouth disease reappears in Lao Cai province

Since the beginning of March 2015, foot-and-mouth disease has reappeared in the pig herds of four households in two villages in Trinh Tuong commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, causing 65 pigs to die and have to be destroyed, weighing over 3 tons.

Veterinarians treat a cow for foot-and-mouth disease. (Photo: Ho Cau/VNA)

The initial cause was determined to be a recurrence of the epidemic from an old outbreak.

The authorities have provided more than 100 liters of chemicals, 35 pairs of gloves, 35 sets of biological clothing, five pairs of boots, and two engine tanks to disinfect and sterilize the barn area at the outbreak site.

Along with the emergency vaccination of 873 doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine for livestock in Trinh Tuong commune, including 313 doses for pigs and 560 doses for cattle, the functional units also temporarily stopped the transportation and slaughter of high-risk livestock in neighboring communes, as well as established two temporary quarantine checkpoints operating in Trinh Tuong commune.

Previously, in the last days of February, after the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in livestock in Muong Khuong district was basically controlled, a new outbreak broke out in Dong Tuyen commune, Lao Cai city and Trinh Tuong commune, Bat Xat district. Accordingly, 165 sick pigs weighing more than 8 tons had to be destroyed.

Specifically, at four households in Dong Tuyen commune, 40 pigs had to be destroyed; at six households in Pho 2 village, Trinh Tuong commune, 125 pigs were destroyed.

To control and prevent epidemics, in the coming time, Lao Cai Veterinary Department will coordinate with the People's Committees of districts and cities in the province to strengthen inspection and supervision of epidemics in livestock and poultry. At the same time, fully prepare vaccines and supplies for the first vaccination period of 2015; strengthen quarantine of transportation, control of slaughter, quarantine of smuggling in the area to ensure epidemic safety and food safety for consumers./.

According to Vietnam+