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To prevent the next pandemic, focus on biosecurity

Photo by GIZ/Giang Van Hung

Regulations on and operationalisation of biosecurity at facilities farming wild animals need to be enhanced in Viet Nam. This approach is central to the GIZ Country Package project, “Reducing Health Risks in the Wild Animal Trade in Viet Nam”.

In short, biosecurity describes the methods that are used to stop a disease or infection from spreading from one person, animal, or place to others (Cambridge Dictionary). Recognising this need and mainstreaming biosecurity into policies and practices around wildlife farming in Viet Nam was part of the work of the “International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade”.

The key results of this work were shared at the One Health Scientific Conference on 16 October 2024. It was highlighted that enhancing biosecurity is essential for safeguarding public and environmental health and managing the pandemic risks associated with wildlife farming practices in Viet Nam. The poster was awarded the first prize among 32 posters presented at the conference.

In recent years, the intersection of wildlife farming and public as well as environmental health has garnered increased attention, particularly in countries like Vietnam, where the large wildlife farm industry poses significant challenges. The review of policies and practices on both wildlife farming and veterinary management indicates gaps in requirements on biosecurity (e.g. lack of specific veterinary instruction for wildlife farms, mandates of authorities) in addition to practical issues (e.g. resources, capacities) pose challenges to the implementation of biosecurity at facilities farming wild animals in Viet Nam.

For further details, please read more here or watch the results here