FMD is a major threat to the livestock industry. It is a viral infectious disease that primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs. The disease can spread through various transmission routes, including respiratory, digestive, and direct contact between infected and healthy animals. The virus can be transmitted through contaminated feed, water, air, or direct contact between animals. FMD causes significant economic losses and severely impacts the health of livestock, resulting in hardship for farmers.

With the determination to prevent the spread of FMD, Mường Chà district has implemented several preventive measures, with vaccination of livestock, particularly buffaloes and cattle, being the top priority. The Mường Chà district’s Agricultural Service Center, in coordination with the livestock, veterinary, and fisheries departments, has organized checks, monitoring, and vaccinations for livestock. Veterinary officials are continuously visiting communes and towns to guide residents in preventing and combating the disease.

Phạm Đình Sử, Deputy Director of the Mường Chà district’s Agricultural Service Center, shared that the center has advised the livestock, veterinary, and fisheries departments to implement vaccination campaigns for livestock. They are currently awaiting the next batch of vaccines from the Government to continue our disease prevention efforts.

In the communes and towns of the district, disease prevention efforts have been actively implemented, with strong cooperation from local authorities and the community. Mùa A Dơ, Chairman of Ma Thì Hồ commune People’s Committee, stated: “As soon as we received the vaccines, veterinary officials and the commune’s People’s Committee immediately planned the vaccination campaign for the livestock. Currently, the commune has nearly 2,320 buffaloes and cattle that are being well maintained and continue to develop. We are also continuing to spread awareness to ensure that people proactively prevent the disease.”

Ma Thì Hồ commune has widely implemented communication campaigns to help residents understand the importance of vaccination and disease prevention. Hạng A Hồ, Head of Hồ Chim II village, Ma Thì Hồ commune, said: “We always remind people to bring their buffaloes and cattle close to their homes for timely vaccinations. This is an important step in protecting the health of livestock and maintaining stability in livestock farming.”

In the first phase of 2025, Mường Chà district is scheduled to receive 13,400 doses of FMD vaccine for buffaloes and cattle. So far, the vaccination campaign has proceeded smoothly, thanks to close cooperation between the government, organizations, and the local community. The district is currently awaiting the next batch of vaccines from the central government. Although Mường Chà has not recorded any cases of FMD, the risk remains due to weather fluctuations and livestock movement. As such, the district has been closely monitoring the disease situation and implementing timely measures for surveillance and disease control.

Phạm Đình Sử added that the center will continue to closely monitor the disease situation and enhance preventive measures. The community has been proactive in bringing their livestock near homes for vaccination. However, some households still let their buffaloes and cattle roam freely in the forest. The center has urged residents to bring their livestock closer to their homes for full and timely vaccinations. In addition to vaccination, residents need to maintain clean livestock pens and ensure the animals are healthy to effectively prevent disease.

With strong cooperation between local authorities, organizations, and residents in communication, vaccination campaigns, and disease prevention, the efforts to combat FMD will yield positive results, helping people feel secure in developing livestock farming and improving their quality of life.