HARBIN, China (August 4, 2025) – Livestock and poultry farms across heilongjiang province are facing heightened risks of epidemic transmission due to the ongoing flood season, marked by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, according to a recent directive from the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Flood Season Demands Vigilance in Livestock Epidemic Prevention
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Heilongjiang authorities are urging increased monitoring and proactive measures to safeguard animal health and public safety during the current flood season.
- Heavy rainfall and high temperatures increase epidemic risks for livestock.
- Strengthened monitoring of epidemic sources and dense breeding areas is crucial.
- Timely immunization and disinfection protocols are essential post-disaster.
- Standardized quarantine, transportation, and harmless treatment of animals are mandated.
- Emergency response mechanisms and public education campaigns are key.
Authorities are emphasizing rigorous monitoring and investigation to combat potential outbreaks. This includes intensifying surveillance in areas with high concentrations of livestock and increasing the frequency of risk assessments following extreme weather events like heavy rainfall. the directive specifically calls for immediate laboratory diagnosis and sampling of suspected cases exhibiting symptoms such as sudden death, bleeding from natural openings, or abdominal distension.
reinforcing Livestock Health and Immunity
The provincial department stressed the importance of timely replenishment of livestock and poultry, particularly in response to major diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza. For existing epidemic sites in low-lying, river-adjacent areas, the focus is on ensuring the immunity of grazing livestock and promptly organizing vaccinations for any unimmunized animals. In the event of a flood disaster,emergency immunization measures will be implemented to maintain an effective protective immune state for all livestock and poultry.
Standardizing Quarantine and Transportation Protocols
To prevent the spread of disease, strict adherence to quarantine and transportation regulations is required. All livestock and poultry transportation must utilize registered vehicles.Purchasers of animals are obligated to possess an animal quarantine certificate and must report their arrival to the local county-level animal health supervision agency within three days of landing. Groups of animals will only be permitted for raising after successfully completing isolation and observation periods.
disinfection and harmless Treatment Measures
Comprehensive disinfection is a cornerstone of the provincial strategy. Preventive disinfection should be consistently applied to farm enclosures, breeding equipment, transport vehicles, slaughterhouses, waste treatment facilities, and livestock trading markets. In areas affected by illness or death among livestock, the scope and frequency of disinfection must be expanded. Following floods, a thorough disinfection of inundated enclosures, equipment, and transport tools is paramount, with water-damaged areas requiring cleaning, draining, and subsequent disinfection.
The standardized “five no precautions and one treatment” principle must be strictly followed for the harmless treatment of sick and deceased animals. This involves the timely collection and salvage of dead livestock and poultry, followed by required harmless disposal methods. Personnel involved in these procedures must wear appropriate personal protective equipment to mitigate infection risks.
Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness
The Heilongjiang provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also highlighted the need to improve emergency mechanisms. This includes maintaining a strict duty system for major animal epidemics, developing comprehensive emergency plans, and ensuring prompt reporting and handling of any incidents in accordance with regulations. Building emergency material reserves and establishing a cross-regional allocation system for disinfectants, protective gear, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents are also critical components of preparedness.
Public awareness campaigns are to be conducted thru various channels, including the internet, print media, posters, rural radio, and news reports. These efforts will educate livestock farms, transport operators, and slaughtering enterprises about their legal responsibilities regarding illegal transportation and the risks associated with spreading epidemic diseases.
