(KPL) Over the coming months, the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, in partnership with provincial agriculture and forestry offices, will intensify efforts to raise public awareness on animal disease prevention.

The campaign will encourage farmers to prepare suitable shelters for their livestock, protecting animals from erratic weather conditions.

Farmers will be advised to feed their animals sufficient food, keep their animals healthy, and follow biosecurity measures, such as confining large livestock, pigs, and poultry to enclosures rather than allowing them to roam, and regularly cleaning pens and surrounding areas.

Additionally, cultivating forage grasses, preserving straw, and preparing mineral lick blocks are recommended practices to ensure livestock have an adequate food supply during the dry season.

Farmers are also encouraged to report any challenges to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry promptly, enabling timely interventions and solutions.

So far this year, outbreaks of animal diseases have continued occasionally, including African swine fever, bovine hemorrhagic septicemia, anthrax, and avian flu spreading across the country, causing significant losses for livestock farmers and businesses.

The government has had to allocate a considerable budget for monitoring, prevention, and response to these outbreaks, which also obstruct domestic trade and the export of livestock and animal products. Consequently, the government—specifically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry—has issued directives to relevant sectors. Meanwhile, the One Health Project has been increasing public awareness campaigns to prevent further outbreaks of these animal diseases.

On the occasion of National Animal Vaccination Day (November 11, 2024), the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry has urged relevant sectors to designate November 11 each year as a day for mobilization and raising public awareness about remaining vigilant against possible outbreaks of animal diseases. He also emphasized the importance of promoting public engagement in protecting animal health, in line with the banner: 'Prevention is a priority; treatment is essential.'

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry has issued an order instructing relevant sectors, particularly the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, to coordinate with provincial agriculture and forestry departments, local authorities at all levels, and other relevant sectors. The goal is to continue raising awareness and communicating laws and legal instruments related to animal husbandry and veterinary health to the public through various media, including television and radio broadcasts, Q&A sessions, photo exhibitions, videos, brochures, posters, meetings, seminars, and lectures.

These efforts aim to raise public awareness about the importance of surveillance and prevention of animal diseases and the associated losses resulting from neglecting vaccination efforts.

Following the guideline 'Animal disease prevention is the duty of all,' these activities aim to protect livestock health, promote animal disease prevention, and reduce the risk and impact of potential outbreaks. Additionally, they are intended to better enhance public awareness and foster a broader vaccination campaign.

At the same time, the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department is instructed to consider establishing a coordinating committee, chaired by the Provincial Deputy Governor and involving relevant departments, to lead and oversee the national livestock vaccination campaign throughout November 2024. A comprehensive plan outlining the vaccine requirements for the campaign's kickoff on November 11, 2024, is to be submitted to the Department of Livestock and Fisheries for production and supply purposes.

The campaign's budget requirements, including operational costs and the procurement of vaccines and necessary supplies, must be mobilized by the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Departments from relevant stakeholders within their jurisdictions.

For the upcoming National Livestock Vaccination Day (Nov 11, 2024), the ceremony should be conducted effectively and in line with thrift and anti-extravagance principles.

In localities with favorable conditions, a livestock contest themed 'Healthy Livestock' should be held to promote high-quality animal breeds.

In focal development zones designated as animal-disease-free areas and in three-build village clusters, efforts should focus on encouraging local farmers to participate in the animal vaccination campaign, ensuring an animal vaccination coverage of over 90%. This aims to set an example of best practices in animal health protection and to ensure immunity and resilience against animal disease outbreaks.

# ONE HEALTH

KPL