Circular 04: Vietnam’s regulations on treatment of aquatic animal diseases

According to Article 17 of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, the treatment of aquatic animal diseases and the responsibilities of the farm owners and relevant authorities regarding the treatment of aquatic animal diseases are specified as follows:

The principles of treating aquatic animal diseases are as follows:

- Only treat diseases that have treatment protocols available, and for which the affected aquatic animals have a chance of recovery and the disease has been accurately diagnosed.

- In cases where treatment is administered but the aquatic animals do not recover or die during the treatment process, harvest the diseased aquatic animals and dispose of them properly. The outbreak area should be disinfected after harvesting and disposal. Do not use aquatic animals that do not meet the regulations on drug withdrawal periods before harvesting as food.

The responsibilities of the farm owner are as follows:

- Proactively treat aquatic animals affected by diseases according to the guidance provided by the veterinary authorities.

- Only use veterinary drugs, chemicals, and biological products listed in the Veterinary Drug Catalog used in veterinary medicine and aquaculture that are allowed to be circulated in Vietnam, concurrently, ensure the correct dosage of the drugs as instructed by the manufacturer and the veterinary and aquaculture authorities, keep records of the usage of these products.

The responsibilities of commune veterinary staff and private veterinarians are as follows:

- Treat aquatic animal diseases according to the guidance provided by the District Veterinary Department and the National Veterinary Department.

- Only use veterinary drugs, chemicals, and biological products listed in the Veterinary Drug Catalog used in veterinary medicine and aquaculture that are allowed to be circulated in Vietnam.

The responsibilities of the Veterinary Station are as follows:

- Participate in guiding the implementation of treatment protocols for aquatic animal diseases for commune veterinary staff, private veterinarians, and aquaculture farmers.

- Report to the District Veterinary Department on the effectiveness of the applied treatment protocols.

The responsibilities of the District Veterinary Department are as follows:

- Provide guidance and disseminate treatment protocols for aquatic animal diseases to commune veterinary staff, private veterinarians, and aquaculture farmers.

- Coordinate with the Fisheries Department, farming establishments, organizations, and individuals in testing treatment protocols.

- Report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Veterinary Department on the effectiveness of the applied treatment protocols and propose testing and issuing new, more effective treatment protocols.

The responsibilities of the National Veterinary Department are as follows:

- Issue treatment protocols for certain dangerous aquatic animal diseases that can be treated.

- Organize inspections and evaluations of treatment protocols and the use of veterinary drugs, chemicals, and biological products for disease treatment.

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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