Circular 04: Vietnam’s regulations on disposal of diseased aquatic animals

Specifically, according to Article 18 of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, the sequence of disposal of diseased aquatic animals is prescribed as follows:

- The Veterinary Department shall report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and submit a written request to the Chairman of the district People's Committee to issue a decision on disposal and establish a disposal team.

- The disposal team includes representatives from the Veterinary Station, the district-level aquaculture department, the commune People's Committee, and the farm owner with diseased aquatic animals to be disposed of.

- Within 24 hours of the decision being issued, the disposal team is responsible for implementing the following: isolating the affected area as defined in the disposal decision, documenting the process, and obtaining confirmation from the farm owner with the diseased aquatic animals to be disposed of.

The chemicals used for disposal and disinfection are sourced from the National Reserve Fund, local reserve funds, or from the farm owner's own supplies or chemicals with equivalent functions listed in the List of Veterinary Drug used in veterinary medicine and aquaculture that are allowed to be circulated in Vietnam.

The expenses for disposing of diseased aquatic animals and disinfecting affected ponds are covered by the local budget as regulated by the local authorities.

Moreover, Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT also the disinfection after harvesting, disposal of disease outbreaks as follows:

- The farm owner shall:

+ Disinfect the water in tanks, ponds, and reservoirs; disinfect tools, equipment, cages, and nets; treat the pond bottom, eliminate arthropods and intermediate disease vectors using approved chemicals after harvesting or disposing of aquatic animals, ensuring the eradication of pathogens, minimal residual chemicals, and environmental sanitation.

+ Notify neighboring farms that share the same water supply and drainage system to implement disease prevention measures and prevent the spread of outbreaks.

- Individuals involved in the process of handling and disposing of aquatic animals must practice personal hygiene to eradicate pathogens and prevent the spread of disease to the environment and other farming establishments.

View more details at Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, effective from July 01, 2016.

Ty Na

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