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Vietnam’s Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health is accelerating the implementation of food safety control measures to expand the country’s egg export markets.
A key requirement is mandatory surveillance for two highly pathogenic Salmonella strains: Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium. These bacteria are among the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide.
The surveillance program aims to minimize contamination risks across the entire production chain, from breeding stock to egg collection and grading. Strict control not only protects consumer health but also ensures compliance with the standards of importing countries.
Regular monitoring and rigorous sampling
Egg production facilities seeking export markets must conduct Salmonella testing at least once a year. Sampling cannot occur during antibiotic use, and all results must be documented in written or electronic form.
Sampling activities are carried out by veterinary authorities at multiple production stages:
- Chicks under 7 days old: Quarterly testing, with samples taken from transport box liners and dead chicks.
- Pullets: Annual sampling using boot swabs, fecal samples, or gloves in direct contact with fresh manure.
- Laying hens aged 17 weeks and older: Samples collected across different age groups, including feed, drinking water, cloacal swabs, fresh feces, and eggs at grading areas. All samples must be stored at 4°C and delivered to laboratories within 24 hours.
Bacterial isolation and identification are conducted in accordance with current national technical regulations.
Strict handling of positive cases
If S. Enteritidis or S. Typhimurium is detected, farms must provide full traceability information and cooperate with epidemiological investigations. Depending on infection levels, authorities may order disposal of dead birds, flock segregation, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, rodent and insect control, or heat treatment of eggs.
A flock is certified safe only after two consecutive negative test results, taken 14 days apart. Before restocking, farms must complete thorough cleaning and disinfection, verified through follow-up sampling.
Coordinated action across all levels
Regional livestock and animal health sub-departments will work with provincial veterinary authorities to provide technical guidance, oversee sampling, and support biosecurity measures. Laboratories under the department must return test results within seven days.
Local veterinary authorities will compile lists of registered facilities, assist with sampling, and guide response measures when positive findings occur. Farms are required to maintain their own records, develop internal monitoring plans, and fully cover testing costs.
The department has urged local authorities, agencies, and farming facilities to urgently implement the surveillance program. Prompt reporting of difficulties will ensure timely support and compliance with export market requirements.