VIENTIANE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Department of Livestock and Fisheries under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is working to control and prevent animal diseases in the country, with the aim of improving meat quality and increasing livestock production to meet international export standards.
According to a ministry report on Saturday, officials from Lao capital Vientiane, Vientiane, Xieng Khuang, Xaysomboun, Bolikhamxay and Xayaboury provinces, along with representatives from relevant sectors, met on Friday to review the implementation of a project to control and prevent animal diseases in Laos.
The project aims to strengthen animal health services, particularly vaccination, disease prevention and animal registration, while increasing the quantity and quality of livestock production. It also seeks to establish vaccination centers in northern, central and southern Laos and develop an animal disease control system that meets international standards.
These measures are intended to reduce the risk of animal disease outbreaks, help Laos meet trading partners' requirements, and support negotiations to export live animals as well as fresh, frozen and processed meat to international markets.
The meeting called on provincial authorities and relevant sectors to strengthen public awareness of animal health regulations, expand vaccination and animal registration, and strictly regulate the movement of animals and animal products.
These efforts are expected to strengthen sustainable disease control, support the development of the livestock sector, improve meat quality and lay the foundation for Laos to expand access to international markets, according to the report. ■