FAO Viet Nam’s ECTAD (Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease) Programme organized a National Consultation Workshop with the Department of Livestock Production-Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (DLP-MARD) in Ha Noi on minimum bio-security measures at small and medium scale breeder farms. This consultation workshop gathered feedback on the draft guidelines for minimum bio-security standards at small and medium scale breeder farms.

The workshop succeeded in bringing together participants from a wide range of backgrounds in order to accumulate diverse input and enrich the contents of the guideline.  The workshop was attended by 29 participants from DLP, Department of Animal Health, Provincial sub-Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (sub-DARD)s, and sub-DAHs along with Agriculture Universities and poultry related research centers.

The guidelines are based on 15 minimum biosecurity standards implemented at 6 model farms in Can Tho and Quang Tri Provinces. After implementing these standards, farmers significantly improved productivity resulting in fewer sick birds. FAO ECTAD and DLP developed technical guidelines on the minimum bio-security measures at small and medium scale breeder farms for MARD’s approval.
Through giving its technical guidance support, ECTAD Viet Nam anticipates that these minimum biosecurity standards will be approved by MARD and eventually issued as guideline to poultry breeders nationally in support of better livelihoods and a safer environment for both poultry and humans.