ZAFU delegation meets with officials from the Lao Department of Livestock and Fisheries in Vientiane.

A delegation from Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU) visited Vientiane, Laos, from September 9 to 14 to strengthen cooperation in animal health research, disease surveillance, and veterinary education.

Representing ZAFU's College of Animal Science and Technology (College of Veterinary Medicine), the delegation held series of discussions with officials and researchers from the Lao Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF), the National University of Laos (NUOL), and partner institutions. Discussions focused on major swine diseases, diagnostic challenges, disease surveillance, and opportunities for joint research.

During the mission, delegates toured local veterinary medicine production facilities, animal health laboratories, and swine production farms to assess on-the-ground practices in vaccine development, pathogen detection, laboratory testing, and disease prevention and control.

At the National Animal Health Laboratory (NAHL) and NUOL's Faculty of Agriculture, the delegation exchanged views with local researchers on diagnostic procedures, cross-border disease surveillance, and laboratory development. Particular attention was given to the application of nanopore sequencing and high-throughput sequencing technologies in identifying swine pathogens, especially in cases involving mixed infections.

Both parties identified strategic priorities and outlined preliminary frameworks for joint sample collection, pathogen identification, and sequencing data analysis. They also agreed to continue technical discussions online to further develop collaborative projects.

The visit marks a key step forward in strengthening regional partnerships in veterinary research, laboratory development, academic exchanges, and technical training between China and Laos.