Typhoon No. 11 has just caused severe damage to Lang Son Province’s agricultural sector, especially livestock farming. Many household farms and large farms were completely wiped out, greatly affecting people’s lives and livelihoods. Local authorities and specialized agencies are urgently implementing support measures, disposing of dead livestock, cleaning barns, and spraying disinfectant to prevent disease outbreaks after the floods.
LARGE LOSSES IN LIVESTOCK AND FARMING FACILITIES
According to preliminary statistics, total losses across the province are estimated at more than VND 1,000 billion, with the livestock sector being the hardest hit.
The family of Mr. Vu Viet Son, one of the large-scale livestock farms in Yen Binh Commune, raising more than 1,000 sows and 60,000 commercial chickens each year, said the recent storm caused 25,000 chickens and nearly 600 sows to die, not including piglets and fattening pigs.
“The damage is estimated at around VND 20 billion. We are currently focusing on handling the carcasses, cleaning up, and disinfecting the barns to quickly resume production, but it is truly very difficult. We hope the State will have support policies so we can restock soon,” Mr. Son shared.
Mr. Luong Van Binh, Vice Chairman of the Yen Binh Commune People’s Committee, said:
“There are 4 large-scale livestock households in the area (from 1,000 head of livestock or 10,000 poultry and above), most of which suffered around 60% damage. The commune is coordinating with farm owners to organize the disposal and burial of dead animals, spray disinfectant, and compile damage reports to propose timely support for people to restock.”
STRENGTHENING SANITATION, DISINFECTION, AND DISEASE PREVENTION MEASURES
As of now, the province has recorded damage to more than 5,700 head of livestock and 61,000 poultry, concentrated mainly in the former Huu Lung area. After the floodwaters receded, many animal carcasses were swept away by the flood and drifted along the river, posing a risk of pollution and disease outbreaks.
To respond, local authorities and relevant agencies have mobilized forces to help residents collect and dispose of animal carcasses, clean the environment, and disinfect the entire livestock area.
Mr. Tran Van Ngan, Deputy Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, said:
“Immediately after the storm, the Center dispatched staff to coordinate with local authorities in handling dead livestock and poultry and prepared 5,000 liters of disinfectant for spraying and sterilizing in heavily flooded communes.”
GUIDING RESIDENTS TO RESTORE FARMS AND SAFELY RESTOCK
Now that the water has receded, residents in flooded communes are urgently clearing mud, debris, and spreading lime powder for disinfection to prevent pathogens.
The local veterinary agency is guiding residents to carry out 6 steps for cleaning and disinfecting barns after the flood, including:
- Collect and dispose of all animal carcasses using biological measures, by deep burial or burning; ensure burial sites are elevated and not subject to flooding.
- Spread lime powder or disinfectant before filling in the burial pit and spray disinfectant over the entire surface.
- Reinforce and repair barns, water supply and drainage systems, and wastewater treatment.
- Scrub walls, floors, and livestock equipment with clean water.
- Clear drains and spray disinfectant throughout the livestock area.
- Provide additional nutrition, boost immunity, and vaccinate the remaining livestock.
JOIN HANDS TO RESTORE PRODUCTION AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS
Typhoon No. 11 has left severe consequences, but with the efforts of all levels of government, the agricultural sector, and the proactiveness of local residents, environmental sanitation, disease prevention, and livestock recovery are being implemented decisively.
Alongside State support policies, each livestock household needs to proactively carry out disease prevention well, maintain barn hygiene, and restock in a biosecure manner — in order to soon stabilize life, restore production, and develop sustainably after storms and floods.
Minh Khuong – Cat Tien
Source: Lang Son Newspaper
