W.VAW.2002 - 2026 Update

Summary

The project worked alongside the Department of Animal Health, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in Vietnam to develop three animal welfare standards for transportation, husbandry and slaughter. A traceability system for animal welfare in slaughterhouses was developed and implemented and a technical regulation for the use of stunning equipment has been drafted. This follows success in legalising the status of stunning equipment in Vietnam. A delegation of Vietnamese officials to Australia also strengthened the bilateral relationship and knowledge of Australia's livestock and meat industry.

Objectives

Letter of Agreement: The contributions will support the following deliverables and outcomes of the project, in alignment with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MLA and DAH (W.MOU.2002), which are: 1. Testing and assessing the effectiveness of pneumatic stunner tools to support humane treatment of animals in animal production facilities, during transport and in-service animal slaughter facilities in Vietnam; 2. Assessing the impact of animal welfare on the quality, veterinary hygiene and food safety of beef products; 3. Apply technology to monitor livestock herds in order to ensure animal welfare, improve the ability to cope with diseases and traceability in Vietnam; 4. Promote transfer of knowledge and technology related to animal welfare to assist state agencies and domestic, commercial organisations in adopting best practices described to animal welfare, veterinary hygiene and food safety in animal husbandry, transporting and slaughtering animals – associated with animal slaughter control and animal welfare monitoring at animal slaughter establishments through training and propaganda programs; and 5. Carry out research programs as a basis for establishing standards, circulars and guidelines to suit animal welfare regulations in accordance with Vietnamese law as well as following international regulation.

Key findings

• Three national animal welfare standards have been released on slaughter, husbandry and transportation of cattle.
• Animal welfare traceability software has been developed for use in Vietnamese slaughterhouses.
• Vietnamese study delegation to Australia to improve understanding of Australia's systems

Benefits to industry

• Alignment of Australian and ESCAS animal welfare standards with Vietnamese Government standards to reduce risk of ESCAS non-compliance and promote welfare in Vietnam.
• Greater understanding of Australia's systems to reduce risk of trade disruptions.

MLA action

MLA is working with commercial enterprises in Vietnam to grow their awareness of these standards and to promote animal welfare outcomes across Vietnam.

Future research

Adoption of standards requires focused work with commercial enterprises in Vietnam.