To address these conditions, communes across Điện Biên District have proactively implemented measures to protect livestock from hunger and cold, following the guidance of functional agencies.

In communes such as Thanh Yên, Noong Luống, and Sam Mứn, where livestock herd is relatively large, residents have been proactive in ensuring the safety of their animals during winter. For example, Mr. Tòng Văn Hưởng from Liếng Hamlet, Noong Luống Commune, has extensive experience in livestock farming. He explained: “Most households in the hamlet raise one or two buffaloes or cows. Previously, livestock were mainly kept for farm work, but with the advancement of agricultural mechanization, livestock farming has shifted toward household-based economic development. During the winter, we prioritize cold prevention measures for our animals. When the cold becomes severe, my family reinforces stables, stores more feed for animals, and follows regular vaccination schedules as advised by veterinary staff. As a result, our livestock has remained healthy and developed well over the years.”

Noong Luống Commune, with over 1,600 livestock (including more than 900 buffaloes and 700 cows), has developed a robust livestock farming movement. Every November, local authorities instruct hamlets to implement effective cold weather prevention measures.

Mr. Bùi Văn Dũng, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Noong Luống Commune, stated: "Following directives from Điện Biên District on strengthening cold weather prevention for livestock and poultry, we have instructed residents to prepare feed and reinforce shelters to protect their animals. These efforts helped safeguard residents’ cattle, contributing to poverty reduction in the commune.”

In 2018, under a livelihood support model for poor households, Mrs. Phạm Thị Xuân from Cang Hamlet, Sam Mứn Commune, received a breeding cow. Over the past years, her livestock herd has grown to nearly ten cows. While the commune has grazing areas, her family uses vacant land near their home to grow elephant grass and stores rice straw after each harvest season. Through training provided by the district Farmers’ Association, her family has adopted effective livestock care techniques during the cold season. “With frequent reminders from the commune and hamlet about cold weather measures, especially at night and early morning, we have become more proactive in protecting our animals,” she said.

Specialists warn that this winter may see more severe cold and greater temperature fluctuations, creating favorable conditions for livestock diseases such as avian influenza, foot-and-mouth, and hemorrhagic septicemia. Therefore, Điện Biên District has emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent cold weather and infectious diseases among livestock.

Mr. Nguyễn Hồng Thắng, Deputy Head of the Điện Biên District’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, shared that in December 2024, the district issued a directive to communes to further raise the public’s awareness of cold weather prevention for livestock and poultry. Thanks to these efforts, local farmers have become more proactive in storing feed, preventing cold weather and livestock diseases, and expanding grass cultivation areas. Rice straw, which was previously burned, is now stored as alternative feed during times of natural grass shortages. As of December 2024, Điện Biên District had over 26,000 buffaloes and 18,000 cows.

Điện Biên District targets to increase its livestock herd by 3-5% annually. Hence, the district’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will closely work with relevant departments, deploy staff to monitor field conditions, and direct communes to enhance competence and responsibility of members of boards for cold weather and disease prevention. These efforts aim to minimize weather-related losses and ensure sustainable livestock development in the district.