MOA Bureau of Veterinary Service signed Memorandum of Understanding between Bureau of Veterinary Service of Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Animal Health Cooperation, and Memorandum of Understanding between Bureau of Veterinary Service of Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and Department of Animal Health of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Animal Health Cooperation respectively with Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Department of Animal Health of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on March, 9.

DG Zhang Zhongqiu of MOA Bureau of Veterinary Service stated that factors such as climate change and pathogen mutation changed the model of animal disease transmission and increased the incidence of cross-border and widespread animal diseases in recent years. Because of geographical proximity and growing trade of animals and animal products, joint prevention of animal health risks serve the interests of China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. The signing of the Memorandums would create favorable conditions for efficient prevention and control of animal diseases in southwestern China, deepened international cooperation between veterinary research institutes, and globalization of China’s veterinary drugs and veterinary biologics industries.

The Memorandums identified areas of cooperation in animal health between China and the other two countries respectively. The dialogue mechanisms between veterinary regulation bodies at the central and provincial level were established to notify animal diseases in a timely manner and enhance joint prevention and control activities. The Memorandums also focused on strengthening cooperation in a number of key areas including veterinary research, veterinary drugs, veterinary biologics and trade of animal products.

DG Zhang Zhongqiu said in an interview that the signing of the Memorandums was important. It would further deepen cooperation in animal health between China and the other two countries, and have a profound impact on the sound development of China’s veterinary work.