Using One Health to tackle zoonotic disease risks from wildlife in Lao Cai, Vietnam

On 20 December 2024, the CGIAR Initiative on One Health organized a closing meeting on zoonotic diseases in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam, with the participation of 40 delegates representing state agencies, research institutes, international organizations and project partners.

The meeting was held to share the findings of the initiative’s research in Vietnam on using One Health approach to prevent and control zoonotic diseases in Lao Cai and Dong Nai provinces and enhance disease surveillance capacity.

The work of the One Health Initiative in Vietnam work was carried out through the collaboration of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the National Institute of Veterinary Research, sub-departments of animal health, livestock production and fisheries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the sub-departments of Forest Protection of Lao Cai and Dong Nai provinces.

Wildlife value chain

In 2023 and 2024, the research team conducted wildlife value chain surveys in Lao Cai and Dong Nai, including species such as bats, rodents, civets and local pigs, to assess the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Preliminary findings show the presence of several zoonotic pathogens.

Wildlife farmers were often unaware of the risks of zoonotic diseases. Biosecurity measures such as waste management, farm sanitation and animal isolation were ineffective or not fully implemented.

The study also identified hotspots for wildlife trade, including markets and border areas in Lao Cai, which are at high risk of becoming disease outbreak areas. In Dong Nai, this risk is particularly evident in commercial wildlife farms.

Factors such as human–animal interactions, mixed farming of livestock, pets and wildlife, uncontrolled transportation, and lack of disease surveillance increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, especially in densely populated areas with high commercial activity.

Mitigating disease risk

The research results highlight the urgent need for timely action to mitigate zoonotic disease risks.

‘These research findings are important for us to develop effective intervention programs to reduce the risk of disease transmission between humans and animals,’ said Hung Nguyen-Viet, interim leader of ILRI’s Health Program and co-leader of the CGIAR One Health Initiative.

Bui Nghia Vuong, head of the Virology Department at the National Institute of Veterinary Research, noted that interdisciplinary cooperation was the key to disease prevention.

‘The implementation of the One Health Initiative not only enhances surveillance capacity but also strengthens local community awareness and cooperation in disease monitoring,’ he said.

The meeting also enabled organizations involved in wildlife research and interventions in Vietnam to develop joint action plans to reduce disease risks and protect public health through the One Health approach.

These organizations include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, STOP Spillover and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Following the end of the One Health Initiative in December 2024, the initiative’s research will be continued by a new science program on Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods, under the CGIAR 2025–30 Research Portfolio.

Header photo: A civet farm in Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam (photo credit: ILRI)