Consolidated Document number 30/VBHN-BNNPTNT stipulates on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Prevention and Control of Aquatic Animal Diseases

Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases, which took effect from July 1, 2016, has been amended and supplemented by:

Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to amend and supplement certain provisions of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2022/NĐ-CP dated December 22, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to the Law on Veterinary Medicine dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Fisheries Law on November 21, 2017; Based on the proposal of the Director of the Veterinary Administration Department,

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular on regulations for prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases[1].

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular stipulates the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases in breeding, and environmental monitoring in aquaculture[2].

2. This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, individuals within Vietnam and foreign entities related to activities of preventing and controlling aquatic animal diseases, and environmental monitoring in aquaculture[3] within the territory of Vietnam.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Breeding facility is a place for breeding and keeping aquatic animals including one or more ponds, lakes, tanks, cages, rafts, and other types of breeding facilities of organizations and individuals.

2. New disease is a new aquatic animal disease appearing in Vietnam, not listed in the List of Aquatic Animal Diseases Required to Declare an Epidemic, with the potential to spread rapidly over a wide area, causing significant mortality among aquatic animals.

3. Diseased aquatic animal is an aquatic animal infected with pathogens confirmed by testing results and showing typical symptoms and lesions of the disease.

4. Suspected diseased aquatic animal is an aquatic animal showing typical symptoms and lesions of the disease but not yet tested to confirm the pathogen.

5. Infected aquatic animal is an aquatic animal infected with pathogens confirmed by testing results but not yet showing typical symptoms and lesions of the disease.

6. At-risk aquatic animal is an aquatic animal that may be infected in the same water body as diseased aquatic animals, infected aquatic animals, or suspected diseased aquatic animals.

7. Agency managing environmental monitoring in aquaculture: At the central level, it is the Fisheries Department[4]; at the provincial level (hereinafter referred to as the provincial level), it is the specialized provincial fisheries management agency[5].

8[6]. Environmental monitoring unit in aquaculture: Is an entity assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to carry out environmental monitoring tasks in aquaculture, or an organization with a certificate confirming its eligibility to operate environmental monitoring services selected to perform environmental monitoring services in aquaculture according to the law.

9. Environmental monitoring report: Includes the results of environmental monitoring in aquaculture and recommendations for remediation.

Article 3. List of Aquatic Animal Diseases Required to Declare an Epidemic

1. The List of Aquatic Animal Diseases Required to Declare an Epidemic includes the diseases specified in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

2. The List of Aquatic Animal Diseases Required to Declare an Epidemic shall be reviewed, adjusted, and supplemented when new diseases appear and when scientific bases and practical production requirements indicate the need for adjustment and supplementation.

Article 4. Principles for Prevention, Control, and Reporting of Aquatic Animal Diseases

1. Prevention shall be prioritized, including proactive monitoring of pathogens, environmental surveillance, collection of disease information, and information on aquaculture activities combined with information dissemination, publicity, and guidance for aquaculture facility owners to actively implement prevention and control measures.

2. Activities for preventing and controlling aquatic animal diseases must ensure proactivity, positivity, timeliness, and effectiveness.

3. Prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases are the responsibility of organizations, aquaculture facility owners, traders, transporters, processors, and preparers of aquatic products; state management agencies have the responsibility to organize and guide the implementation of timely and effective preventive and control measures.

4. Disease information and data of aquatic animals must be recorded, managed, analyzed, and reported promptly, accurately, and comprehensively according to the guidelines of the Veterinary Administration Bureau; aquaculture information and environmental surveillance are carried out according to the guidelines of the Fisheries Bureau.[7].

Article 5. Reporting System for Aquatic Animal Diseases

1. Immediate reporting of disease outbreaks:

a) Aquaculture facility owners, aquatic veterinarians, individuals who discover aquatic animals showing signs of illness, death, or abnormal conditions must report to village veterinary officers (hereinafter referred to as village veterinary officers) and the People's Committee of the commune or nearest specialized aquatic veterinary agency through one of the following methods: telephone, direct meeting, written submission, or email;[8]

b)[9] Village veterinary officers, upon discovering or receiving reports as stipulated in point a of this clause, shall report and act in accordance with Clause 2, Article 19 of the Law on Animal Health;

c)[10] Specialized veterinary management agencies at the district level, upon receiving information as stipulated in point a or point b of this clause, shall report and act in accordance with Clause 3, Article 19 of the Law on Animal Health;

d) Specialized veterinary management agencies at the provincial level[11] shall report the situation of disease outbreaks to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service,[12] and the Veterinary Administration Bureau;

đ) Regional Animal Health Service[13]: Summarize and report to the Veterinary Administration Bureau the situation of aquatic animal diseases in the region;

e) The Veterinary Administration Bureau shall report to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; report to international organizations that Vietnam is a member of or has committed to comply with;

g) Reports on disease outbreaks or new diseases as stipulated in points a, b, c, d, đ of this clause must be completed within 48 hours for communes in the delta area or 72 hours for communes in remote areas, from the time of discovery or receipt of information about diseased aquatic animals, signs of disease, or infection.[14];

h)|||[15] (abolished).

2. Updated reporting on disease outbreaks:

a) Before 12:00 noon every day, village veterinary officers shall report to the specialized veterinary management agency at the district level[16] and the People's Committee of the commune on the situation of the disease outbreak confirmed by the specialized veterinary management agency at the district level[17] or the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[18] ;

b) Before 16:00 every day, the specialized veterinary management agency at the district level[19] shall report to the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[20] and the People's Committee of the district;

c) Before 15:00 on Fridays every week, the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[21] shall compile and report the weekly disease situation to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service[22] and the Veterinary Administration Bureau;

d) Updated reporting on disease outbreaks shall continue until the end of the outbreak, including holidays and weekends.

đ)[23] In cases where the outbreak shows unusual developments, rapid spread, or a sharp increase in the area of infected aquaculture, the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level shall immediately report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Veterinary Administration Bureau upon receiving the report as stipulated in point b of this clause.

3. Reporting on the conclusion of disease outbreaks: Within seven days from the end of the outbreak as prescribed by law, the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[24] shall be responsible for summarizing the outbreak and evaluating the results of disease prevention and control.

4. Investigation report on disease outbreaks:

a) An investigation report on disease outbreaks shall be applied when the specialized veterinary management agency[25] determines that the disease is listed in the Catalogue of Notifiable Aquatic Animal Diseases or is a new disease;

b) The specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[26] shall be responsible for reporting the results of the outbreak investigation to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service[27] and the Veterinary Administration Bureau immediately after completing the investigation.

5[28]Report on new diseases:

a) During the verification process of the disease outbreak as stipulated in point c of Clause 1 of this Article, if there is suspicion of a new disease, the specialized veterinary management agency at the district level shall immediately report to the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level to conduct an outbreak investigation, take samples for testing, and implement immediate disease control measures;

b) The specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level shall immediately report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service, and the Veterinary Administration Bureau, while organizing investigations and verifying information on suspected new disease outbreaks and sending samples to laboratories under the Veterinary Administration Bureau for testing to identify the causative agent and cause;

c) The Veterinary Administration Bureau shall be responsible for guiding localities in investigating suspected new disease outbreaks, undetermined causes of diseases, and disease control measures; if necessary, the Veterinary Administration Bureau shall organize testing and investigations to determine the causative agents and causes of new diseases in accordance with Clause 6, Article 27 of the Law on Animal Health and report to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the development of the disease situation.

6[29]. (abolished).

7. Reporting on the results of disease surveillance:

a) The specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[30] shall report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service[31] and the Veterinary Administration Bureau the results of disease surveillance, forecasting, and local disease control measures;

b)[32] The Veterinary Administration Bureau shall report to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development the results of disease surveillance, forecasting, and disease control measures as prescribed and when required;

c)[33] The reporting deadline for each round of disease surveillance results shall be within three days from the date of surveillance results.

8[34]Report from diagnostic and testing laboratories engaged in aquatic animal disease diagnosis and testing

a) Upon detecting or suspecting the presence of pathogens listed in the List of Notifiable Animal Diseases, immediately report to the Regional Animal Health Office and the provincial specialized animal health management agency where the aquatic animals are affected;

b) Upon detecting or suspecting the presence of new infectious agents or diseases with undetermined causes, immediately report to the General Department of Animal Health and the provincial specialized animal health management agency for collaborative research and identification of the pathogens and causes of the disease in accordance with regulations;

c) Monthly or at any time, report to the Regional Animal Health Office and the provincial specialized animal health management agency the results of testing for aquatic animal diseases specified in points a and b of this clause and other aquatic animal diseases;

9[35]The reporting format for disease outbreaks stipulated in points b, c, d, đ of paragraph 1 and paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and paragraph 8 of this Article shall be conducted in writing or electronically;

Reporting methods: data entry on the Vietnam Animal Health Information System (VAHIS - Aquatic Animal Disease) or via email, postal services, direct submission, or other appropriate means;

The reporting forms stipulated in points b, c, d, đ of paragraph 1 and paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and paragraph 8 of this Article shall follow the guidelines of the General Department of Animal Health;

For regular reports, implement according to Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BNNPTNT dated January 16, 2020, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, regarding the regular reporting system within the scope of the Ministry's management;

Article 6. Construction and Implementation of the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan

Annually, the provincial specialized animal health management agency[36] shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to develop, submit for approval by the competent authority, and organize the implementation of the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan (hereinafter referred to as the Plan) in the following steps:

1. Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the results, clearly identifying obstacles, shortcomings, and issues in the implementation of the current year's Plan; propose adjustments and supplements needed for the next year's Plan;

2. Evaluate specifically the role, importance, current status, and development trends of aquaculture in the locality; compile and analyze data on the area under major aquaculture species in the locality;

3. Compile, analyze, and evaluate the results of environmental monitoring and warnings; main water sources supplying the farming areas; current discharge conditions in farming areas; surveillance results of aquatic animal diseases, disease situation (detailed description by space, time, and affected aquatic animals); risk factors related to the emergence and spread of aquatic animal diseases in the locality; epidemiological indicators and related indicators that need to be tested to determine the level of risk of disease emergence, predict the likelihood of disease emergence and spread in the locality;

4. Determine necessary resources, including human resources, material resources, financial resources to implement preventive, control, and support measures for farm operators, environmental and disease surveillance, both during disease occurrence but not yet meeting the conditions for declaring an outbreak and after declaring an outbreak;

5. Based on technical standards, Vietnamese standards, and guidance documents on disease surveillance, investigation, and environmental hygiene for aquaculture, the number of production and business breeding facilities, and the area of aquaculture, propose indicators, frequency, sampling locations, number of samples of aquatic animals and environment;

6. Develop the Plan including the contents prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular.

7. Report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for submission to the Provincial People's Committee for approval of the Plan and budget before November 30 each year;

8. Send the approved Plan to the Regional Animal Health Office[37] and the General Department of Animal Health for coordination, guidance, and supervision of implementation;

9. Organize the implementation of the Plan;

10. In case of Plan adjustment, the provincial specialized animal health management agency[38] sends the approved adjusted Plan to the Regional Animal Health Office[39] and the General Department of Animal Health.

Article 7. Contents of the Plan for Prevention and Control of Aquatic Animal Diseases

1. Surveillance of aquatic animal diseases in accordance with Clause 2 and 3 of Article 10 of this Circular 2. Investigation of disease outbreaks, measures to handle disease outbreaks, and anti-disease measures..

3. Stockpiling materials, chemicals, funds, and human resources to implement preventive and control measures and support facility owners when a disease is announced and even when a disease occurs but does not meet the conditions for announcing a disease.

4. Stockpiling equipment that needs to be invested in, supplemented, and calibrated to serve diagnostic testing, surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological map construction, and data analysis.

5. Quarantine of breeding stock; veterinary hygiene inspection; inspection of management, trading, and use of feed, biological preparations, environmental treatment drugs, vaccines, and chemicals at localities.

6. Information dissemination, propaganda, and training for aquaculture producers, village veterinary staff, and aquaculture veterinary officials: Legal regulations on breeding, disease prevention, product quality requirements, technical guidance documents from specialized veterinary and aquaculture agencies.

7. Assign specific responsibilities to relevant agencies and units to implement the Plan.

8. Hold interim and final reviews, analyze, and assess the disease situation; evaluate implemented disease prevention and treatment measures and propose appropriate and effective adjustments.

Article 8. Disease Prevention for Aquatic Animal Breeding Facilities, Collection, Rearing, Trading, and Cultivation Units

Chapter II. DISEASE PREVENTION

1. Implement provisions of Article 14, Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine and other related legal provisions.

2. Design facilities to ensure smooth and effective activities for hygiene, disinfection, isolation, and handling during disease outbreaks.

3. Water must be treated for pathogens, monitored for environmental factors, and meet veterinary hygiene conditions before being used in production; wastewater and waste must be treated to meet requirements before discharge.

4. Use of aquatic animal breeds:

a) Must have clear origins, be healthy, ensure disease safety, and comply with National Technical Standards for Aquatic Animal Breeds;

b) Aquatic animal breeds from out-of-province production facilities or imports must have a Health Inspection Certificate; quality checks must be conducted according to regulations.

5. In cases where self-prepared feed or live feed is used, they must ensure veterinary hygiene, disease safety, and environmental protection.

6. Conduct surveillance in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular.

7. Apply technical measures for breeding, disease prevention, and environmental management according to the guidance of specialized aquaculture and veterinary agencies during the operation of the facility; encourage the use of vaccines approved for aquatic animal disease prevention. . Apply technical measures for preventing and controlling certain dangerous diseases in aquatic animals according to the guidance of specialized veterinary management agencies..

Article 9. Monitoring and Warning of Aquaculture Environment

8[40]1. Principles for monitoring and warning of the aquaculture environment:

a) Monitoring and warning of the environment must be carried out continuously and systematically to detect factors that may negatively impact the aquaculture environment, promptly notify relevant aquaculture and veterinary management agencies; warn and guide farmers to take necessary measures and remedies;

The Fisheries Administration guides provincial specialized aquaculture management agencies and related units to implement environmental monitoring and warning work in accordance with Clauses 3, 4, and 5 of this Article.

2. Develop Plans for Monitoring and Warning of the Aquaculture Environment:

b)[41] a) The Fisheries Administration

leads and coordinates with the Animal Health Service and related agencies to develop an overall plan for monitoring and warning of the aquaculture environment nationwide for a five-year period and annually, submit it to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval and allocation of funding for implementation;

b) Provincial specialized aquaculture management agencies[42] lead and coordinate with provincial specialized veterinary management agencies

and related agencies to develop local plans for monitoring and warning of the aquaculture environment, report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval by the provincial People's Committee and allocation of funding for implementation;[43] Contents of the Plan for Monitoring and Warning of the Aquaculture Environment include: objectives, implementation details, solutions and tasks, needs and funding sources for implementation, and organizational implementation.[44] 3. Criteria for determining areas, points, and objects for environmental monitoring must meet the following conditions:

c)[45] a) Environmental monitoring areas include: Concentrated aquaculture areas sharing the same water source, defined by administrative boundaries, consistent with local aquaculture development planning; places where diseases frequently occur or have environmental pollution risks; areas with a size of 10 hectares or more for intensive and semi-intensive farming, 200 hectares or more for other forms of farming, and 1000 square meters or more for cage and raft farming;

b) Monitoring points: Stable and representative of the entire area; coordinates are determined and marked on maps;

Objects for monitoring: Are the water quality of concentrated aquatic animal farming areas in accordance with current local aquaculture development regulations (including water supply quality and water quality at the farming facility).³ . Monitoring parameters

a) Group I (common environmental parameters): pH, temperature, salinity/conductivity, alkalinity, turbidity, TSS (suspended solids);

c)[46] b) Group II (organic and nutrient parameters): DO, BOD5, COD, TOC, N-NH

4[47], N-NO

, P-PO

/H₄c) Group III (microbial parameters): Coliform, E. coli,₃c) Group III (microbial parameters): Coliform, E. coli,₂spp. and other pathogenic agents causing diseases in farmed aquatic animals;₄, SO₄^2-/H^2-d) Group IV (phytoplankton): Algae, harmful algae, chlorophyll a;₂c) Group III (microbial parameters): Coliform, E.coli,

e) Group V (plant protection chemicals): Chlorine organic group, phosphorus organic group, carbamate group, synthetic pyrethroid group, neonicotinoid group, avermectin group, herbicides, and total alpha and beta radioactivity; spp., Aeromonas spp. and other pathogens causing diseases in cultured aquatic animals; f) Group VI (heavy metals): Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg, Cr

, Ni, Mn, Al, and total iron (FeTS);

d) Group V (plant protection chemicals): Organic chlorines, organic phosphates, carbamates, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, avermectins, herbicides, and total alpha and beta radioactivity;

e) Group VI (heavy metals): Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg, Cr,³⁺, Ni, Mn, Al and total iron (Fe⁶⁺Ni, Mn, Al and total iron (FeT);

g) Other group (organic pollutants): Surfactants, oil, grease, phenol, cyanide.

Based on practical production experience, purpose, and monitoring needs at each stage, the Fisheries Administration shall guide the selection of environmental monitoring parameters as prescribed in this clause.

5. The environmental monitoring unit shall be responsible for conducting monitoring:

a) Collecting information on aquaculture, aquatic animal disease conditions, and environmental monitoring results from other departments to evaluate, compile, and supplement aquaculture environmental monitoring results;

b) Conducting measurements, analysis, compilation, data processing, reporting monitoring results, and preparing monitoring bulletins according to the Environmental Monitoring Plan;

c)[48] The time for submitting reports and notifications of monitoring results to the Fisheries Administration and provincial specialized aquatic resource management agencies shall be within the following deadlines:

For Group I and II parameters (excluding BOD5), not exceeding three (3) days from the date of sample collection;

For BOD5 and Group III, IV, V, VI parameters, and other groups, not exceeding seven (7) days from the date of sample collection.

6. Provincial specialized aquatic resource management agency:[49]Providing aquaculture operation information, guiding and inspecting the implementation of the environmental monitoring unit; within one (1) day from receiving the monitoring results, submitting the report to the Fisheries Administration[50], district fisheries management agency, commune people's committee in the monitored area, and related units.

7. Reporting monitoring results:

b) Provincial specialized aquaculture management agencies[51], the Animal Health Service, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall receive periodic reports as stipulated in Clause 6 of this Article and ad hoc reports on aquaculture environmental monitoring results from the provincial specialized aquatic resource management agency;[52];

b) Relevant organizations, entities, and individuals: Providing environmental information to the environmental monitoring units, the Fisheries Administration[53], the Animal Health Service after investigation, survey rounds, and related research activities;

c) When detecting adverse environmental changes or potential risks to aquaculture production in a locality, the environmental monitoring unit shall immediately report to the provincial specialized aquatic resource management agency[54] to issue warnings and take timely responses; simultaneously reporting to the Fisheries Administration[55], informing the Animal Health Service, provincial specialized veterinary management agency[56] and related units to coordinate in handling;

d) When detecting adverse environmental changes or potential risks to aquaculture production in two or more localities (provinces/cities directly under the Central Government), the Fisheries Administration[57] shall submit to the Ministry for issuing warnings and directing timely response measures, informing the Animal Health Service, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, provincial specialized veterinary management agency[58] and related units to coordinate in handling;

đ)[59] The forms of reports and monitoring bulletins prescribed in Point c Clause 5, Clause 6, and Points a, b, c, d of this clause shall be implemented according to the guidance of the Fisheries Administration.

8. Organizing environmental monitoring in aquaculture:

a)[60] The Fisheries Administration, based on plans, programs, and tasks assigned by the Ministry and the functions, duties, and authorities of the environmental monitoring units under the Ministry, shall advise the Ministry to assign units to perform environmental monitoring tasks in aquaculture or organize the selection of units to carry out such tasks in accordance with the law; taking the lead and coordinating with relevant units to manage environmental monitoring activities in aquaculture nationwide; providing training, enhancing monitoring capabilities for localities; building and guiding the use of software for managing databases, sharing monitoring data among monitoring agencies, specialized aquatic resource management agencies, and veterinary agencies at central and local levels; unifying with the specialized veterinary management agency regarding the scope and sampling locations for environmental monitoring;

b)[61] The provincial specialized aquatic resource management agency shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units and units assigned or selected to conduct environmental monitoring in aquaculture to implement the approved Environmental Monitoring Plan; guiding and inspecting the application of monitoring results in practice; implementing corrective measures; informing and announcing monitoring results; updating the monitoring database, reporting monitoring results to the Fisheries Administration and related units; based on assigned plans, programs, and tasks and the functions, duties, and authorities of the monitoring units, advising the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to assign or select units to perform environmental monitoring tasks in aquaculture; unifying with the specialized veterinary management agency regarding the scope and sampling locations for environmental monitoring;

c) Aquaculture facility owners shall monitor and supervise the environment at their facilities; recording all collected information and data, measures taken to address environmental exceedances according to the guidance of the fisheries management agency and the monitoring unit; providing environmental monitoring information and data, and preventive measures against aquatic animal diseases when requested by competent state authorities; supporting organizations, individuals, and management agencies in promptly and effectively implementing environmental monitoring activities;

d)[62] Units assigned or selected to perform environmental monitoring tasks in aquaculture shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant organizations and individuals to implement the approved Environmental Monitoring Plan; recommending, guiding, and implementing corrective measures; informing and announcing monitoring results; updating the monitoring database, reporting monitoring results to the Fisheries Administration and related units.

Article 10. Surveillance of Aquatic Animal Diseases

1. The owner of the breeding facility shall conduct clinical surveillance to detect diseases as follows:

a) Daily monitoring to promptly identify diseased aquatic animals, deaths, and handle them according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 15 and Appendix VI issued together with this Circular; b) When an outbreak occurs or when there is unusual environmental change, collect samples for testing to detect pathogens; simultaneously report according to the provisions of

point a, Clause 1, Article 5 of this Circular 2. The contents of the proactive aquatic animal disease surveillance plan (referred to as the surveillance plan) include:.

a) Species of aquatic animals under surveillance, location, time, frequency of sampling, types of aquatic animal samples, environmental samples, feed samples, number of samples, related information, and pathogens to be identified;

b) Forecasting materials, chemicals, equipment, sampling tools, testing procedures, human resources to implement the surveillance plan;

c) Detailed budget to implement the surveillance plan, including sample collection, purchase, processing, and testing; data collection, analysis, management, reporting of surveillance results; training, seminars, mid-term and final review meetings on the surveillance plan;

d) Collecting, compiling, managing, and analyzing surveillance information and data;

đ) Measures to handle diseased aquatic animals, those showing signs of disease, or infected ones;

e) Assigning specific responsibilities to relevant agencies, units, and individuals to implement the surveillance plan.

. Handling surveillance results: Implement according to the provisions of

3[63]Article 15 and Article 19 of this Circular 4. The owner of the breeding facility is responsible for:

Participating in aquatic animal disease surveillance according to the Plan stipulated at

a) Implement the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article.

b)[64] , implementing quarantine for transportation of aquatic animal breeding stock according to Clause 2, Article 55 of the Law on Animal Health or being considered for transporting aquatic animals and aquatic animal products out of the epidemic area according to the regulations on quarantine; Article 6 of this Circularc) Creating favorable conditions and supporting specialized veterinary management agencies

in sample collection according to the surveillance plan stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.[65] 5. Veterinary officers at commune level have the responsibility to perform tasks assigned in the surveillance plan.

6. County-level specialized veterinary management agency

a) Guide commune-level veterinary officers and coordinate with relevant units to implement the surveillance plan, including sample collection from aquatic animals and the environment;[66] are responsible for:

Organize sample collection, preservation, and sending samples to registered laboratories (related to animal disease testing criteria) according to the law and the provisions of

b)[67] Clause 6, Article 14 of this Circular c) Guide facilities to implement disease prevention measures;;

d) Report surveillance results to the provincial specialized veterinary management agency.

7. Provincial specialized veterinary management agency[68].

a) Implement the provisions of Clause 5, Article 16 of the Law on Animal Health;[69] are responsible for:

b) Take the lead, coordinate with relevant units to build, submit to local authorities for approval and allocate funds to implement the local aquatic animal disease surveillance plan as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article; organize implementation after approval;

c) Direct county-level specialized veterinary management agencies

and commune-level veterinary officers to coordinate with relevant units to implement the surveillance plan;[70] d) Coordinate with provincial specialized fisheries management agencies

and relevant units to collect information on environmental inspection results of breeding facilities;[71] Organize testing of surveillance samples or guide county-level specialized veterinary management agencies to send samples to registered laboratories according to the law and the provisions of

đ)[72] e) After receiving analytical and testing results, the provincial specialized veterinary management agency c) Guide facilities to implement disease prevention measures;;

will notify the results along with specific guidance on preventive measures to the county-level specialized veterinary management agency[73] to guide the facility owners to implement;[74] g) Report surveillance results to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Animal Health Service

and the General Department of Animal Health according to the provisions of[75] Clause 7, Article 5 of this Circular for analysis and direction in aquatic animal disease prevention work. 8. The General Department of Animal Health is responsible for:

a) Taking the lead, coordinating with relevant units to build, submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval, and allocate funds to implement the national aquatic animal disease surveillance plan; organize implementation after approval;

b) Organizing guidance, supervision, and urging localities to implement the surveillance plan;

c) Building and guiding the use of the national database on aquatic animal disease surveillance;

d) Organizing training and enhancing the capacity of staff working on disease prevention, control, and surveillance in central and local agencies;

đ) Regularly reviewing and supplementing basic equipment for central agencies conducting disease surveillance.

d) Periodically review and supplement basic equipment for central agencies responsible for disease surveillance.

Article 11. Information, propaganda, training on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases

Information, propaganda, and training on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases must ensure the following contents:

1. The subjects implementing and participating in propaganda and training activities include organizations and individuals involved in environmental monitoring, production, collection, breeding, cultivation, trading, transportation, preliminary processing, processing of aquatic products, and disease prevention and control.

2. Content: Policies, legal regulations, guiding documents, and measures for preventing and controlling diseases issued by specialized veterinary services.

3. Forms: Through one or more different forms (leaflets, media, seminars, training sessions, etc.), but must ensure regularity, speed, and effectiveness.

4. Timing: Must be carried out before the breeding season, during periods when many diseases occur, and when outbreaks appear.

5. Responsibilities:

a) The Veterinary Department shall take the lead and coordinate with the Aquatic Products Management Department to develop and guide the implementation of programs and plans on information dissemination, propaganda, and training on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases nationwide;[76] take the lead and coordinate with provincial-level specialized aquatic products management agencies to develop and implement programs and plans on information dissemination, propaganda, and training on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases at the local level.

b) The specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level[77] take the lead and coordinate with the provincial specialized management agency for aquatic products[78] to develop and implement programs and plans on information dissemination, awareness raising, and training on prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases at the local level.

Chapter III. CONTROL OF DISEASES

Article 12. Disease Reporting

1. The owner of the breeding facility, the person discovering diseased aquatic animals, showing signs of disease, dying from disease, or dying in large numbers without clear cause or due to environmental or weather conditions, shall report to the competent authority as prescribed in 2. The contents of the proactive aquatic animal disease surveillance plan (referred to as the surveillance plan) include:.

2. In cases where the disease spreads rapidly over a wide area causing significant deaths among aquatic animals, the owner of the breeding facility, the person discovering diseased aquatic animals, showing signs of disease, veterinary officers at commune level, and county-level specialized veterinary management agencies[79] may report directly to higher authorities and provincial-level specialized veterinary management agencies, the Veterinary Department to promptly organize disease control.[80], the Animal Health Department to promptly organize disease control efforts.

Article 13. Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

1. Principles of investigating disease outbreaks:

a) Disease outbreak investigation shall only be conducted for: Newly emerged disease outbreaks; disease outbreaks listed in the Catalogue of Notifiable Diseases occurring over a wide area causing significant deaths among aquatic animals; when requested by the competent authority or the owner of the breeding facility;

b) Disease outbreak investigation must be completed within one day in plain areas and two days in remote areas from the time of discovery or receipt of information about diseased aquatic animals;

c) Information about the disease outbreak must be collected in detail, comprehensively, accurately, and timely;

d) Prior to conducting the investigation, all necessary information about the breeding environment, disease status; raw materials, tools, equipment, chemicals required for the investigation; sampling, preservation, and transportation equipment; current regulations on disease prevention and control; necessary human resources, material resources, financial resources, and protective equipment; forms and tools for collecting information must be gathered.

2. Contents of disease outbreak investigation:

a) Collect initial information on environmental monitoring indicators before and during the occurrence of the disease; determine basic epidemiological characteristics and the existence of the disease outbreak; trace the origin of the disease outbreak;

b) Investigate and update information on the disease outbreak at facilities with diseased aquatic animals, including: Checking and comparing with previously reported information; environmental indicators and changes (if any); clinical examination, quantity, species, age, date of discovery of diseased aquatic animals; affected area (or number) of diseased aquatic animals, water depth, area (or number) of stocking; feed, drugs, chemicals used; breeding methods, observation of disease progression at the site; origin of seedlings, pre-stocking quarantine results;

c) Describe the progression of the disease outbreak over time and location, affected aquatic animals, and those showing signs of disease; assess the causes of the disease outbreak;

d) Propose conducting research on risk factors; collect samples for testing when necessary to identify pathogens;

đ) Summarize, analyze, evaluate, and make a definitive diagnosis of the outbreak, identify the disease, mode of transmission;

e) Report the results of the outbreak investigation, assess and forecast the disease situation in the subsequent period, propose preventive and control measures.

3. Responsibilities for investigating disease outbreaks:

a) Commune-level veterinary officers shall be responsible for visiting breeding facilities with diseased aquatic animals, showing signs of disease, verifying information, and reporting according to the form; simultaneously reporting the disease situation as prescribed in Article 5 of this Circular; support for sample collection to test and identify pathogens;

b) The specialized management agency of veterinary services at the district level[81] shall dispatch staff to aquatic animal breeding facilities where animals are sick or showing signs of illness to guide disease control measures, collect samples for testing, verify the source of the disease, and report on the disease situation as prescribed in Article 5 of this Circular. In cases where the disease outbreak becomes complex and exceeds the capacity of the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the district level[82], the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the district level[83] must immediately report to the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[84];

c) The specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[85] shall conduct investigations according to the principles and contents prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article; organize sample collection for testing as prescribed in Article 14 and report on the disease situation as prescribed in Article 5 of this Circular. In cases where the disease outbreak becomes complex and exceeds the capacity of the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[86], the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[87] must immediately report to the Regional Animal Health Office [88]and the Veterinary Administration Bureau;

d) The Regional Animal Health Office[89] shall provide guidance and support to the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[90] in conducting disease investigation;

đ) The General Department of Animal Health shall direct, inspect, and supervise the disease investigation conducted by the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[91]. In cases where the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[92] provides unclear information or implements disease investigation steps that do not meet requirements, or if the disease outbreak becomes complex, the General Department of Animal Health will conduct the disease investigation.

Article 14. Sample Collection, Diagnosis, Testing to Identify Pathogens

1[93]. The specialized management agency of veterinary services shall organize sample collection and testing to identify pathogens. Within one day from the completion of sample collection, the samples must be sent to the laboratory as prescribed in Clause 6 of this Article.

2[94]. Upon receiving the disease samples, the laboratory has the responsibility to collect information about the samples, organize testing, and provide results to the organizations or individuals who submitted the samples within the following timeframes:

a) For diseases caused by viruses or parasites, not exceeding two days;

b) For diseases caused by bacteria or fungi, not exceeding four days;

c) Diagnosis and testing to find causative agents not exceeding seven days.

3. In cases where the pathogen cannot be definitively identified, the laboratory[95] shall notify the submitting agency and cooperate with other laboratories to conduct further testing or report to the General Department of Animal Health for direction and guidance on identifying the pathogen.

4. In cases where the disease samples do not meet quantity or quality requirements, the laboratory[96] shall directly request or suggest resampling or supplementary sampling for diagnostic testing.

5. In the same commune, ward, town, or breeding area sharing the same water supply and during the same period when there is a disease outbreak, once the test results for the initial disease outbreaks are available, it is not necessary to collect samples for testing for subsequent outbreaks. Conclusions about subsequent outbreaks can be based on clinical signs of diseased aquatic animals and the breeding environment. If subsequent outbreaks have diseased aquatic animals with symptoms and lesions different from those already identified, further sampling for testing to identify the pathogen should continue.

6[97]. Testing samples to identify pathogens

a) In cases of suspected or newly discovered infectious disease agents, disease samples must be sent to laboratories under the General Department of Animal Health for testing according to procedures and guidelines provided by the General Department of Animal Health or the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA);

b) When using test results to conclude on disease outbreaks, declare epidemics, and issue Decisions on destruction, the disease samples must be tested at laboratories under the specialized management agencies of veterinary services that have been registered and certified to operate in the field of animal disease testing according to Government Decree No. 107/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016. Laboratories must use testing procedures and methods approved based on guidelines from the General Department of Animal Health or WOAH/NACA guidelines;

c) When using test results to serve disease surveillance programs, epidemic forecasting, and warning systems of authorized agencies, the samples must be tested at laboratories that have been registered and certified to operate in the field of animal disease testing according to Government Decree No. 107/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016, and must use testing procedures and methods according to the approved method documentation.

Article 15. Handling animal disease outbreaks in aquatic animals

1[98]. Implement the provisions of Article 33 of the Law on Animal Health; apply technical measures to prevent and control animal diseases in aquatic animals as guided by the Department of Animal Health.

2. The owner of the breeding facility shall handle diseased aquatic animals by one of the following methods:

a) Harvesting diseased aquatic animals: Implement according to the provisions of Article 16 of this Circular for aquatic animals that have reached market size and can be used as food, feed for livestock, or other purposes;

b) Treating diseased aquatic animals: Implement according to the provisions of Article 17 of this Circular for diseased aquatic animals that can be treated as determined by specialized animal health services and the owner of the breeding facility has a need to treat them;

c) Destroying diseased aquatic animals: Implement according to the provisions of Article 18 of this Circular for diseased aquatic animals not covered under points a and b of this clause.

3[99]. Based on the situation of animal disease outbreaks in aquatic animals, the Department of Animal Health issues guidelines for technical measures to prevent and control diseases for some dangerous diseases in aquatic animals.

Article 16. Harvesting aquatic animals in disease outbreaks

1. The owner of the breeding facility must comply with the following requirements when harvesting aquatic animals in disease outbreaks:

a) Notify the specialized animal health management agency at the district level[100] about the purpose of use, quantity, handling measures, implementation plan, and monitoring measures for the use of diseased aquatic animals;

b) Not use diseased aquatic animals as breeding stock or live feed for other aquatic animals;

c) Only transport diseased aquatic animals to collection, purchase, sale, preliminary processing, and manufacturing facilities (hereinafter referred to collectively as receiving facilities) and ensure that the disease does not spread during transportation.

2. Immediately upon receipt of notification from the owner, the specialized animal health management agency at the district level[101] are responsible for:

a)[102] Advises the provincial People's Committee to guide the People's Committee at the commune level, commune veterinary officers, and owners of aquaculture facilities on harvesting aquatic animals, supervising the harvest, and applying disease prevention and control measures for animals as stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, and Clause 4 of Article 33 of the Law on Animal Health, ensuring that the disease does not spread;

b)[103] Advises the provincial People's Committee to direct and guide owners of aquaculture facilities, buyers, and transporters of aquatic animals to implement veterinary hygiene measures to prevent the spread of animal diseases as stipulated in Clause 5 of Article 33 of the Law on Animal Health;

c) Report to the specialized animal health management agency at the provincial level[104] the results of implementation.

3. Receiving facilities must ensure and be responsible for disease safety during preliminary processing and manufacturing.

Article 17. Treating diseased aquatic animals

1. Principles for treating diseased aquatic animals:

a) Only treat diseases that have treatment protocols, where the diseased aquatic animals have the potential to recover and the disease has been identified;

b) In cases where treatment is unsuccessful and the aquatic animals die during treatment, implement the provisions of Articles 16, 18, and 19 of this Circular; do not use aquatic animals that do not meet the pre-harvest drug withdrawal period regulations for food.

2. Responsibilities of the owner of the breeding facility:

a) Actively treat diseased aquatic animals according to the guidance of specialized animal health management agencies;

b)[105] Implement the provisions of Clause 4 of Article 32 of this Circular.

3. Responsibilities of commune veterinary officers and private veterinarians:

a) Treat diseased aquatic animals according to the guidance of the specialized animal health management agency at the provincial level[106], the Department of Animal Health;

b) Only use veterinary drugs, chemicals, and biological preparations listed in the Catalogue of Veterinary Drugs Permitted for Circulation in Vietnam for Aquatic Animals.

4. Responsibilities of the specialized animal health management agency at the district level:[107]:

a) Participate in guiding the implementation of treatment protocols for diseased aquatic animals for commune veterinary officers, private veterinarians, and aquaculturists;

b) Report to the specialized animal health management agency at the provincial level[108] on the effectiveness of implementing treatment protocols.

5. Responsibilities of the specialized animal health management agency at the provincial level:[109]:

a) Guide and disseminate treatment protocols for diseased aquatic animals to commune veterinary officers, private veterinarians, and aquaculturists;

b) Coordinate with the specialized aquatic animal management agency at the provincial level[110], breeding facilities, organizations, and individuals to test treatment protocols;

c) Report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Animal Health on the effectiveness of implementing treatment protocols; propose testing and issuing new more effective treatment protocols.

6. Responsibilities of the Department of Animal Health:

a) Issue treatment protocols for some dangerous diseases in aquatic animals that can be treated;

b) Organize inspections and evaluations of treatment protocols; the use of veterinary drugs, chemicals, and biological preparations for disease treatment.

Article 18. Destruction of diseased aquatic animals

1[111]The procedures for destruction are as follows:

a) Based on the test results confirming the pathogen from the laboratory specified in Point a or Point b Clause 6, Article 14 of this Circular or a conclusion from the specialized veterinary management agency that the animal is infected with a disease, showing signs of infectious disease or a new infectious agent according to the law, the specialized veterinary management agency at the district level shall notify the People's Committee at the commune level to organize the destruction of diseased aquatic animals; report to the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level for monitoring and technical support; b) The People's Committee at the commune level shall organize the destruction of diseased aquatic animals in accordance with the laws on veterinary medicine and other relevant laws;

c) Within twenty-four hours from the issuance of the decision to destroy, the destruction team shall be responsible for implementing quarantine zones, organizing destruction, and preparing records of destruction in accordance with current regulations.

2. Chemicals used for destruction and disinfection shall be sourced from the National Reserve Fund, the Local Reserve Fund, the owner of the breeding facility, or equivalent chemicals listed in the Catalogue of Veterinary Drugs approved for use in aquatic animal husbandry in Vietnam.

The costs of destroying diseased aquatic animals and managing the epidemic source shall be implemented in accordance with the current provisions of the State Budget Law and other relevant laws.

3[112]Article 19. Disinfection after harvesting and destruction of epidemic sources

1. The owner of the facility shall carry out:

a) Disinfect water in tanks, ponds, and lakes; disinfect tools, equipment, breeding cages, and nets; treat the bottom surface, eliminate crustaceans and intermediate hosts of diseases using permitted chemicals after harvesting or destruction of aquatic animals, ensuring there are no pathogens, chemical residues, and maintaining environmental hygiene;

b) Notify adjacent breeding facilities sharing the same water supply system to apply preventive measures to prevent the spread of diseases.

2. Persons involved in the handling and destruction of diseased aquatic animals must perform personal hygiene to eliminate pathogens, preventing their spread to the environment and other breeding facilities.

Article 20. Announcement of epidemics and organization of disease control for aquatic animals

The announcement of epidemics shall be carried out in accordance with Article 34 of the Law on Animal Health, and the organization of disease control in epidemic areas shall be carried out in accordance with Article 35 of the Law on Animal Health.

Article 21. Control of transportation of aquatic animals in epidemic areas

1. The specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level

shall cooperate with local authorities to strengthen the control of transportation of aquatic animals immediately upon the effective date of the epidemic declaration.[114] 2. Aquatic animals may only be transported out of the epidemic area after proper treatment and obtaining a health certificate from the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level

for cases of transportation outside the provincial administrative region.[115] 3. Limit the transportation of sensitive aquatic animal breeds through epidemic areas. In cases where transportation through epidemic areas is necessary, notification and compliance with the guidance of the specialized veterinary management agency at the provincial level shall be required.

3. Restrict transportation of sensitive aquatic species through areas affected by disease outbreaks. In cases where transportation through affected areas is necessary, notification and compliance with guidelines from the provincial specialized management agency for veterinary affairs are required.[116].

Article 22. Measures to be taken against breeding facilities without disease in epidemic areas during the announcement of an outbreak

The owners of breeding facilities need to apply the following measures:

1. Implement biosecurity measures and regularly sanitize and disinfect the environment and aquaculture areas.

2. Enhance care and boost the immunity of farmed aquatic animals.

3. Do not release new or supplementary aquatic animals sensitive to the announced disease during the epidemic announcement period.

4. For pond and lake breeding facilities: Minimize the addition and replacement of water during the local epidemic announcement period or when nearby breeding facilities report the appearance of the disease.

5. Strengthen active monitoring to detect diseased aquatic animals early, report to local authorities or veterinary officers, and promptly implement preventive measures.

Article 23. Announcement of the End of Aquatic Animal Epidemics

The announcement of the end of aquatic animal epidemics shall be carried out in accordance with Article 36 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine.

Chapter IV. IMPLEMENTATION

Article 24. Responsibilities of the Department of Animal Health

1. Develop and submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval the National Program on Prevention and Control of Aquatic Animal Diseases; surveillance programs for export purposes; research programs on epidemiology, disease investigation, and the creation of disease maps for aquatic animals; provide guidance and organize implementation after approval.

2. Guide, inspect, and supervise the implementation of prevention and control measures for aquatic animal diseases; handle violations in the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.

3. Inspect and guide the use of chemicals from the National Reserve Fund for disease prevention and control activities.

4. Issue and guide localities in uniformly using reporting forms for aquatic animal diseases.

5. Organize training on disease prevention and control measures for aquatic animals for county-level specialized veterinary management agencies

and units under the Department of Animal Health.[118], the specialized management agency of veterinary services at the provincial level[119] Provide and share information on aquatic animal diseases with the Department of Fisheries.

6[120]7. Coordinate with relevant organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally to study and apply disease prevention and control measures for aquatic animals; disseminate information about disease prevention and control for aquatic animals.

8. Provide nationwide disease information on animals to the public and news media for disease prevention and control publicity.

In cases where there are epidemics of diseases listed in the Catalogue of Aquatic Animal Diseases that require epidemic announcements or new diseases for which there are no available veterinary drugs in the country, the Department of Animal Health shall submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for a decision on the use of unregistered veterinary drugs in Vietnam for urgent disease control according to point c, Clause 6, Article 15 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine.

9[121]Article 25. Responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries

1. Take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Animal Health to develop and submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval the National Plan on Environmental Monitoring in Aquaculture; provide guidance and organize implementation after approval.

2. Direct, guide, and inspect provincial specialized fisheries management agencies

to develop and implement environmental monitoring plans, guide farmers in conducting environmental monitoring in seed production and aquaculture to meet disease prevention and control requirements; issue and guide the use of recording forms in aquaculture activities.[123] 3. Develop and submit to competent authorities for approval and organize the implementation of regulations, standards, and technical specifications for seed production and aquaculture to meet disease safety requirements.

4. Guide, inspect, and supervise the use of seeds, feed, chemicals, drugs, biological preparations, and products for environmental treatment; manage aquaculture environments.

5. Direct, inspect, and supervise the implementation of crop seasons and the application of technology in seed production and commercial aquaculture.

6. Regularly provide aquaculture data to the Department of Animal Health as a basis for developing and implementing disease prevention and control measures.

7. Coordinate with the Department of Animal Health in disease prevention and control for aquatic animals.

7. Coordinate with the Animal Health Department in preventing and controlling aquatic animal diseases.

Article 26. People's Committees at all levels

1. Direct, inspect, and supervise relevant agencies of the locality in building and implementing plans to prevent and control aquatic animal diseases.

2. Allocate funds for activities to prevent and control aquatic animal diseases, support facilities with diseased aquatic animals, both when the disease occurs but does not meet the conditions for declaring an epidemic, and when an epidemic is declared.

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Advise and submit to the provincial People's Committee for approval:

a) The Master Plan for Aquatic Animal Cultivation Development, Monitoring and Early Warning Plan for the Environment, and Disease Prevention and Control Plan for Aquatic Animals;

b) Establish a local reserve fund for materials, chemicals, and funds to implement preventive and control measures, including support for aquaculture producers whose animals must be destroyed due to disease, even if the disease occurs but does not meet the conditions for declaring an epidemic and when an epidemic is declared;

c) Assign responsibilities to related units to build and implement the Disease Prevention and Control Plan for Aquatic Animals; Environmental Monitoring Plan; organize surveillance of aquatic animal diseases and environmental monitoring for aquaculture in the locality;

d) Direct related units of the locality to cooperate with the Animal Health Service in organizing prevention, control, surveillance, and investigation of aquatic animal diseases in the locality;

đ) Designate, direct, and supervise the handling and destruction of diseased and suspected diseased aquatic animals, mobilize forces to participate in combating the epidemic in the locality according to the proposal of the veterinary authority. Inspect and guide the use of chemicals from the National Reserve Fund and the local reserve fund in accordance with regulations.

2. Direct specialized agencies to implement disease prevention and control for aquatic animals in accordance with this Circular.

3. Manage disease-safe aquaculture production facilities in the locality.

4. Direct specialized agencies to implement environmental monitoring for aquaculture in the locality in accordance with this Circular.

Article 28. Responsibilities of the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency

1. Investigate, conduct field surveys, and develop plans for preventing and controlling aquatic animal diseases for submission to competent authorities for approval, including annual surveillance and information dissemination about aquatic animal diseases in the locality; implement the plan after approval.

2. Direct[125], guide, inspect, and supervise the implementation of disease prevention, treatment, and epidemic control measures for aquatic animals at breeding, trading, storage, and transportation facilities.

3. Direct and guide county-level veterinary management agencies[126], village veterinary officers, and facility owners to report aquatic animal diseases according to prescribed forms; responsible for distributing and guiding county-level veterinary management agencies[127] and village veterinary officials in using reporting forms.

4. Organize training on disease prevention and control for veterinary staff and aquaculture producers; guide and direct county-level veterinary management agencies[128] to coordinate with county-level specialized agencies to organize training for facilities under their jurisdiction.

5. Coordinate with relevant agencies to implement enhanced quarantine and transport control measures for aquatic animals.

6. Guide, inspect, and direct county-level veterinary management agencies[129] to organize supervision over the transportation of harvested aquatic animals from infected areas to processing facilities.

7. Coordinate with the provincial Fisheries Management Agency[130] and utilize environmental monitoring data in developing and implementing the Disease Prevention and Control Plan for Aquatic Animals.

8. Regularly provide disease statistics for aquatic animals to the provincial Fisheries Management Agency[131] as a basis for formulating and implementing management measures for aquaculture.

9. The provincial Veterinary Management Agency[132] provides disease information within its administrative area to authorities, residents, and media outlets for disease prevention and control publicity.

Article 29. Responsibilities of the Provincial Fisheries Management Agency

1. Annually conduct field surveys and build plans for environmental monitoring at the local level to be submitted to competent authorities for approval; organize implementation of the plan after approval.

2. Guide organizations, individuals, and breeding facilities according to local planning; restore production after disease control measures.

3. Guide, inspect, and supervise the application of regulations, technical standards, standards, procedures, and record forms related to the production of aquatic animal seedlings and aquaculture to meet disease safety requirements.

4. Implement or manage the implementation of environmental monitoring tasks to meet disease prevention and control requirements for aquatic animals.

5. Guide, inspect, and supervise the use of feed, chemicals, drugs, biological preparations, and environmental treatment substances in aquaculture; handle and improve the environment; implement cultivation seasons and apply techniques in seedling production and commercial aquaculture.

6. Regularly provide aquaculture data and environmental monitoring warning information to the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency.[134] to serve as a basis for building and implementing disease prevention and control measures.

7. Coordinate with the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency, Regional Animal Health Service Office, Department of Animal Health, and Department of Fisheries in disease prevention, control, and surveillance work for aquatic animals.[135], Regional Animal Health Office[136], the Animal Health Department, the Fisheries Department[137] in the work of preventing, controlling, and monitoring aquatic animal diseases.

For provinces without a Provincial Fisheries Management Agency, units responsible for provincial aquaculture management shall have the same responsibilities as the Provincial Fisheries Management Agency in preventing and controlling diseases in aquatic animals.[138] then provincial units responsible for aquaculture management shall have the same responsibilities as the provincial specialized management agency for aquatic products.[139] Article 30. Responsibilities of the Provincial Quality Management Agency for Agricultural, Forestry, and Aquatic Products

1. Coordinate with the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency to monitor the harvesting and transportation of diseased aquatic animals for food processing when requested.

1. Coordinate with the provincial specialized management agency for veterinary affairs[140] Monitor the reception of diseased aquatic animals at preliminary processing and food processing facilities upon notification from the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency.

2. Monitor the reception of diseased aquatic animals at food processing facilities upon notification from the provincial specialized management agency for veterinary affairs[141].

Share information on food safety incidents at seedling production and aquaculture business establishments to the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency[142] to serve as a basis for investigating the origin of veterinary drugs and issuing warnings.

Article 31. Responsibilities of Environmental Monitoring Units

1. Conduct environmental monitoring according to the approved environmental monitoring plan as stipulated by law.

2. Collect relevant information on environmental monitoring activities and promptly provide environmental monitoring results to the agency managing environmental monitoring activities and related units.

3. Provide training and participate in training sessions on aquaculture environmental monitoring upon request from facility owners, organizations, individuals, or the agency managing environmental monitoring activities.

Article 32. Responsibilities and Benefits of Facility Owners

1. Apply disease prevention and control measures; comply with quarantine regulations, environmental monitoring, disease reporting, and storage of all types of records related to facility operations such as seedlings, pond improvement, care, and management of aquatic animals; handle disease outbreaks, waste, and wastewater according to the guidance of the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency[143]and specialized agencies for aquaculture.

2. Cooperate with the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency[144]and the Provincial Fisheries Management Agency[145] in collecting samples of aquatic animals and environmental samples to check environmental parameters, diseases, and collect information to identify risk factors related to the environment and aquatic animal diseases.

3. Provide information, data, and materials on environmental monitoring, supervision, disease prevention, and control of aquatic animals according to the guidance of the specialized veterinary management agency.

4[146]Only use veterinary drugs listed in the Catalogue of Permitted Veterinary Drugs in Vietnam or those with a certificate of drug circulation or as specified in Clause 9, Article 24 of this Circular; products for treating aquaculture environments listed in the Catalogue of Chemicals, Biological Preparations, Microorganisms, and Raw Materials for Producing Feed Permitted for Use in Aquaculture in Vietnam. Use the correct dosage of drugs according to the manufacturer's instructions and the specialized veterinary management agency; record the usage process of these products.

5. Attend training courses on disease prevention and control of aquatic animals and aquaculture techniques organized by the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency[147]and the Provincial Fisheries Management Agency[148], agricultural extension services, and fisheries extension services.

6. Enjoy state support for disease prevention and control according to current regulations.

Chapter V. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS[149]

Article 33. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from December 12, 2024.

2. Transitional provisions: For programs, plans, projects, and initiatives on disease prevention and control for aquatic animals, environmental monitoring, and early warning systems in aquaculture that have been approved by competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular, continue to be implemented according to the approved programs, plans, projects, and initiatives.

3. The Director of the Department of Animal Health, the Director of the Department of Fisheries, heads of units, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, please report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (through the Department of Animal Health) for review, amendment, and supplementation./.

ANNEX I

LIST OF DISEASES OF AQUATIC ANIMALS THAT MUST BE DECLARED AS DISEASE OUTBREAKS
(Annexed to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

ANNEX II[151]

GUIDELINES FOR SOME MEASURES TO PREVENT AND CONTROL WHITE SPOT VIRAL DISEASE IN FARMED SHRIMP
(Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

(REPEALED)

ANNEX III[152]

GUIDELINES FOR SOME TECHNICAL MEASURES TO PREVENT AND CONTROL ACUTE LIVER-PANCREATIC NECROSIS DISEASE IN FARMED SHRIMP
(Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

(REPEALED)

ANNEX IV[153]

GUIDELINES FOR SOME TECHNICAL MEASURES TO PREVENT AND CONTROL ENTERIC SEPTICAEMIA OF CATFISH AND HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE IN FARMED CATFISH
(Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

(REPEALED)

ANNEX V[154]

GUIDELINES FOR SOME TECHNICAL MEASURES TO PREVENT AND CONTROL MILKY HAEMOLYMPH DISEASE IN FARMED SPINY LOBSTERS
(Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

(REPEALED)

ANNEX VI

GUIDELINES FOR SOME TECHNICAL MEASURES TO DISINFECT INFECTED AQUATIC ANIMALS AND DEAD ANIMALS DUE TO DISEASE
(Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development)

Step 1: Requirements for quarantine zones and disposal pits

- The quarantine zone must be located in a dry area, at least 50 meters away from the farming area, water sources, residential areas, and potable water sources.

- Requirements for disposal pits:

+ The pit should be square or rectangular, with a minimum depth of 1 meter; the size of the pit should be designed according to the number of aquatic animals to be disposed of.

Example: If 1 ton of fish needs to be buried, the disposal pit should have dimensions of 1.5-2 meters (depth) x 1.5-2 meters (width) x 1.5-2 meters (length).

+ It can be constructed as a concrete tank; if it is an earth pit, the sides and bottom of the pit must be lined with impermeable materials (such as plastic sheeting); the top of the pit must be covered with a lid and surrounded by a fence to prevent animal intrusion and ensure environmental protection.

Step 2: All dead aquatic animals must be immediately removed from the pond/tank using specialized nets, placed in metal or plastic containers with sealed bottoms and lids, and transported to the disposal pit. For cases where diseased or infected aquatic animals cannot be removed, they should be destroyed in the pond/tank using disinfectants listed in the Catalogue of Veterinary Drugs Permitted for Circulation in Vietnam, following the manufacturer's instructions or veterinary authorities' guidelines.[155]

Step 3: Disposal by chemical means

- Type of chemicals and dosage: Use strong disinfectants such as chlorine, formaldehyde, gentian violet, and lime powder, which are permitted for circulation in Vietnam.

- Method of disposal: Spread a layer of lime powder on the bottom of the pit (1 kg/m²), place the aquatic animals inside, spray disinfectant (e.g., chlorine) or sprinkle lime powder on top, cover with soil; ensure that the soil covering the aquatic animals is at least 1 meter thick. Spray disinfectant in the burial area./.²), bury the aquatic animals, spray disinfectants (such as Chlorine), or sprinkle lime powder over them; ensure that the layer of soil covering the aquatic animals must be at least 1 meter thick. Disinfect the burial area./.

^{_______________________________________}

[1] Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, concerning the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024) is based on the following grounds:

Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2022/NĐ-CP dated December 22, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to the Law on Veterinary Medicine dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Fisheries Law on November 21, 2017; Based on the proposal of the Director of the Veterinary Administration Department,

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular to amend and supplement certain provisions of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 10, 2016, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, concerning the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.

[2] Supplement the phrase "aquaculture environment monitoring" after the phrase "farmed aquatic animals" as stipulated in Clause 8, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[3] Supplement the phrase "aquaculture environment monitoring" after the phrase "aquatic animals" as stipulated in Clause 9, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[4] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[5] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[6] This clause is amended as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[7] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[8] Supplement the phrase "by one of the following methods: telephone, face-to-face meeting, sending written documents, or email" after the phrase "nearest location" as stipulated in Clause 10, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[9] This point is amended and supplemented as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[10] This point is amended and supplemented as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-

BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[11] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[12] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[13] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[14] Supplement the phrase "transmissible" after the phrase "show signs of disease" as stipulated in Clause 12, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[15] This point is repealed as stipulated in Clause 11, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[16] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[17] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[18] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[19] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[20] The term "District Animal Health Service" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the provincial level" as provided for in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[21] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[22] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[23] This Point is added as provided for in Clause 3, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[24] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[25] The term "Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health Management" as provided for in Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[26] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[27] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[28] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[29] This Clause is repealed as provided for in Clause 15, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[30] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[31] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[32] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 5, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[33] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 5, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[34] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 6, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[35] This Clause is added as provided for in Clause 7, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[36] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[37] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[38] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[39] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[40] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 8, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[41] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 9, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[42] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[43] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[44] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[45] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 10, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[46] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 11, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[47] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 12, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[48] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 13, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[49] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[50] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[51] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[52] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[53] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[54] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[55] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[56] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[57] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[58] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[59] This Point is added as provided for in Clause 14, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[60] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 15, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[61] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 15, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[62] This Point is added as provided for in Clause 16, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[63] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 17, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[64] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 18, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[65] The term "Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health Management" as provided for in Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[66] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[67] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 19, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[68] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[69] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[70] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[71] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[72] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 20, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[73] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[74] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[75] The term "Regional Animal Health Department" shall be replaced by the term "District Animal Health Service" as provided for in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[76] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[77] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[78] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[79] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[80] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[81] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[82] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[83] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[84] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[85] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[86] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[87] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[88] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[89] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[90] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[91] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[92] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[93] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 21, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[94] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 21, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[9The term "designated testing laboratory" shall be replaced by the term "testing laboratory" as provided for in Clause 7, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[96] The term "designated testing laboratory" shall be replaced by the term "testing laboratory" as provided for in Clause 7, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[97] This Clause is added as provided for in Clause 21, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[98] This Clause is amended as provided for in Clause 22, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[99] This Clause is added as provided for in Clause 22, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[100] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[101] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[102] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 23, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[103] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 23, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[104] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[105] This Point is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 24, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[106] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[107] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[108] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[109] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[11The term "District Fisheries Service" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Fisheries Management at the provincial level" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[111] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 25, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[112] This Clause is amended and supplemented as provided for in Clause 25, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[113] This provision is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 26, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[114] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[115] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[116] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[117] This provision is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 27, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[118] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[119] The phrase "Animal Health Station" is replaced with the phrase "Provincial specialized animal health management agency" pursuant to Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[120] This clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 28, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[121] This clause is supplemented pursuant to Clause 28, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[122] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[123] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[124] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[125] The phrase "direct and guide inspection and supervision..." is preceded by the phrase "direct" pursuant to Clause 13, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[126] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[127] The phrase "Animal Health Station" is replaced with the phrase "District specialized animal health management agency" pursuant to Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[128] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[129] The term "Animal Health Station" shall be replaced by the term "Department of Animal Health at the district level" as provided for in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024.

[130] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[131] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[132] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[133] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[134] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[135] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[136] The phrase "Regional Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Regional Animal Health District Office" as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[137] The phrase "Fisheries General Department" is replaced by the phrase "Fisheries Department" as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[138] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[139] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[140] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[141] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[142] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[143] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[144] The phrase "District Animal Health Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Animal Health Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[145] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[146] This clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 29, Article 1 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[147] The phrase "Animal Health Station" is replaced with the phrase "Provincial specialized animal health management agency" pursuant to Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[148] The phrase "Fisheries District Office" is replaced by the phrase "Provincial Fisheries Management Authority" as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[149] Article 3 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, which takes effect from December 12, 2024, provides as follows:

Article 3. Effectiveness

1. This Circular takes effect from December 12, 2024.

2. Transitional provisions: For programs, plans, projects, and initiatives on disease prevention and control for aquatic animals, environmental monitoring, and early warning systems in aquaculture that have been approved by competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular, continue to be implemented according to the approved programs, plans, projects, and initiatives.

3. The Director of the Department of Animal Health, the Director of the Department of Fisheries, heads of units, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, please report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (through the Department of Animal Health) for review, amendment, and supplementation./.

[150] This column is abolished pursuant to Clause 14, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[151] Appendix II is abolished pursuant to Clause 15, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[152] Appendix III is abolished pursuant to Clause 15, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[153] Appendix IV is abolished pursuant to Clause 15, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[154] Appendix V is abolished pursuant to Clause 15, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.

[155] Replace the phrase "Step 2: Remove all dead aquatic animals from the pond immediately upon discovery using a specialized net and place them in a metal or plastic container with a sealed bottom and lid. Transport the dead aquatic animals to the disposal pit." with the phrase "Step 2: Remove all dead aquatic animals from the pond/tank immediately upon discovery using a specialized net and place them in a metal or plastic container with a sealed bottom and lid and transport the dead aquatic animals to the disposal pit. In cases where sick or diseased aquatic animals cannot be removed, they should be destroyed in the pond/tank using chemicals listed in the Register of Veterinary Drugs Permitted for Circulation in Vietnam according to the manufacturer's instructions or guidance from the veterinary authority." pursuant to Clause 16, Article 2 of Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 24, 2024, and shall take effect from December 12, 2024.