At his modest home in Điện Biên Phủ ward, veterinary worker Quàng Văn Phi prepares documents before heading out to inspect local disease outbreaks and plan the second round of disinfection for 2025. Having worked for more than a decade, he shared: “The work is demanding. We often have to rush to the field day or night to handle outbreaks. Beyond routine vaccinations, commune-level veterinary staff also engage in awareness campaigns, teaching safe husbandry practices, hygiene, and disease prevention. Yet, our working conditions remain tough, with limited protective equipment.”

According to Resolution No.16/2022/NQ-HĐND, every commune, ward, and township has one veterinary worker, hired under the Labor Code, with monthly allowances based on qualifications, along with social and health insurance benefits.

Mr. Trần Sỹ Quân, Chief of the Office of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, explained that from July 1, 2025, the province reorganized its apparatus under the two-tier local government model. Ten district-level agricultural service centers were merged into five regional centers under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, while 120 commune-level veterinary staff were retained under the same scheme. This grassroots veterinary network serves as an “extended arm” for the agricultural sector in managing livestock herds, controlling epidemics, and monitoring the trade of feed and veterinary drugs.

In reality, the network has proved crucial in advising local authorities on epidemic control, food safety, and livestock development. When African swine fever or avian influenza outbreaks occurred, veterinary staff worked with local forces at animal quarantine checkpoints to prevent the spread. They are also responsible for livestock census, vaccination campaigns, and scheduled sanitation drives.

Despite these vital tasks, commune veterinary staff face significant challenges: serving large populations across wide areas, working overtime, on holidays, and under high infection risks as they are directly exposed to pathogens. Without timely support, many struggle to remain committed long-term.

“We hope to receive more protective gear, disinfection supplies, and regular professional training. There should also be priority mechanisms for border and disadvantaged areas, along with timely recognition and rewards to acknowledge our efforts. Only then can we feel secure and stay dedicated to the job,” said Phi.

Commune-level veterinary staff work hand-in-hand with farmers in production. They help detect diseases, guide care and treatment, and ensure timely responses to minimize losses. Given their indispensable role, strengthening support policies is not only a matter of encouragement but also a long-term solution to improve disease control effectiveness and foster sustainable livestock development in the province.