The assessment team visits bamboo rats facility in Lai Chau, Viet Nam. ©FAO/Nguyen Cuong

Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in Viet Nam have successfully concluded a five-month survey of captive wildlife facilities as part of the Safety across Asia for the Global Environment (SAFE) project, aiming to establish baselines for management and biosecurity practices.

Viet Nam plays an important role in transboundary wildlife trade, with numerous value chains linked across the Mekong region for wild meat and other wildlife products, to satisfy a growing urban demand for wild meat, wildlife products, and wild animals sold as pets. There were 6,525 registered farms across Viet Nam in 2021, cultivating 454 species. This situation presents challenges concerning biosecurity measures and practices that increase the risk for disease emergence and spillover from animals to humans.

Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), emphasized the survey’s goal to identify and mitigate high-risk facilities for disease transmission, stating “earlier capacity building efforts and value chain mapping and analysis for disease control largely focused on livestock and livestock products and much less on wildlife and wildlife products. Therefore, understanding the potential zoonotic pathogen spillover from wildlife addresses crucial data gaps, emphasizing the need for increased stakeholder engagement in the wildlife value chain for sustainable risk reduction practices.”

“The project aims to ultimately reduce disease spillover from wild animals, aligning with the One Health Partnership framework. FAO, as a signatory member, and the European Union, provide direct support for its national plan implementation, making it highly significant for Viet Nam's One Health Partnership. MARD leads the partnership and co-chairs with FAO the One Health Partnership Technical Working Group on Wildlife and Pandemic Prevention,” explained Pawin Padungtod, Team Leader of FAO ECTAD in Viet Nam. Established in 2021, this group focuses on preventing future pandemics by managing the human-animal-ecosystem interface, specifically targeting the commercial wildlife trade and consumption.

As part of the SAFE project, a joint MARD-FAO team assessed 44 locations, including captive wildlife facilities, rescue centers, zoos, restaurants and markets. The survey covered various aspects including socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, waste management, commercial chains, health care conditions and preventive measures at high-risk facilities.

Key findings from the assessment

Key findings from the survey highlight the absence of regulations addressing zoonotic diseases and areas for improvement in disease prevention measures. Recommendations include drawing upon domestic and international experiences for crafting and implementing wildlife facility management regulations. Additionally, the survey noted areas for improvement in disease prevention measures, emphasizing the importance of enhanced inspection capabilities and inter-sectoral collaboration.

Furthermore, the survey underscored the need for refined communication strategies about zoonotic diseases and increased sanctions for non-compliance captive-wildlife facility owners. These interventions can preserve public health and wildlife well-being.

The Deputy Director of CITES Viet Nam, Mr. Vuong Tien Manh, stressed the importance of the SAFE project’s field surveys in assessing zoonotic diseases and identifying potential risks to public health and the environment. Manh stated, “Through the surveys, we'll compile data, organize workshops for input and refine our approach.” He expressed optimism that the project would enhance monitoring, promote responsible trade, ensure livelihood protection, improve biosafety and raise awareness of zoonotic diseases through the One Health approach.

SAFE is a regional project led by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and implemented in cooperation with FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Funded by the European Union, the project focuses on enhancing understanding between wildlife trafficking and zoonotic disease transmission for pandemic prevention and preparedness in Thailand, Viet Nam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the State of Sabah in Malaysia.

The baseline-setting survey conducted by FAO and MARD in Viet Nam illustrates the need for coordinated efforts to increase regulatory compliance and increase public understanding of the zoonotic disease risks. These insights will complement policies and contribute to mitigating the risk and prepared response to potential pandemics originating from wild animals.

More information

The SAFE project is implemented by the UNODC Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment, in cooperation with UNEP and FAO, and benefits from the financial support of the European Union. Click here to learn morre about SAFE project

Contact
Rindu Putri, FAO ECTAD Regional Communications Specialist