July 14, 2026
 

Vietnam's Lao Cai province suspends Bac Ha livestock market after foot-and-mouth disease confirmed

Authorities have ordered emergency vaccination, origin tracing of affected livestock batches and strict controls on animal movement in and out of the area.

The People's Committee of Bac Ha commune in Vietnam's Lao Cai province has suspended all trading, gathering and transshipment of livestock at Bac Ha livestock market - the largest in the province - from 11 July 2026, after positive samples of the foot-and-mouth disease virus were detected at the facility.

Authorities have directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to establish a disease prevention and control steering committee and to trace the origin of livestock batches linked to the positive test results. Emergency vaccination is to be deployed once sufficient vaccine supplies are available.

Livestock households have been mobilised to sign commitments against concealing disease outbreaks, and against buying, selling, transporting or slaughtering sick or suspected sick animals. Functional forces have been assigned to patrol the market area and enforce controls on the illegal movement of livestock and animal products to prevent further spread.

The suspension will remain in place until the outbreak is controlled and a new notice is issued by local authorities.