Electronic Precinct - August 1998

Vets help Vietnamese

During the non-rice growing season, shrimp culture provides a much needed source of income for farmers in Long An Province, Vietnam (which is one of the poorest areas in the country). Unfortunately, the effects of disease have significantly reduced shrimp yields. British veterinarians, with expertise in epidemiology and aquaculture, from the Universities of Liverpool and Stirling respectively, are collaborating with colleagues in Vietnam to improve the health and productivity of shrimps in this unique farming system. The successful completion of this project, funded by the British Government 's Department for International Development (DFID), will provide a much needed increase in income for the farmers in this area.