Protecting livestock during severe cold weather

In the early days of 2026, intensified cold air has caused temperatures in many highland communes to drop sharply, with some areas experiencing frost and dense fog. In response to these harsh weather conditions, local authorities and farmers have proactively implemented a range of measures to protect livestock and minimize losses caused by cold and feed shortages.

Officials from Son Vi Commune and Xin Cai Border Guard Station disseminate measures to prevent cold- and hunger-related losses among livestock during the harsh winter in Xin Phin Chu Village.

In the border commune of Son Vi, severe cold gripped villages during the 2026 New Year holiday. In Xin Phin Chu Village, despite the four-day holiday, local task forces coordinated with village leaders and relevant units to visit households, inspect animal shelters and remind residents not to let livestock roam freely during periods of extreme cold, drizzle and strong winds. Farmers were guided on reinforcing shelters against wind, keeping floors dry, maintaining hygiene, storing sufficient feed and closely monitoring animal health. According to village head Gia Mi Po, low temperatures combined with limited resources and makeshift shelters pose a high risk of losses during prolonged cold spells.

Thanks to direct guidance from local officials, many households have become more proactive in reinforcing livestock shelters, stockpiling straw and grass, and reducing grazing during periods of low temperatures. Gia Mi Vu, a resident of Xin Phin Chu Village who raises three cattle as his family’s main source of income, said that in previous winters his cattle often lost appetite and weakened. With improved shelter and feed storage, his livestock are now better cared for, easing the family’s concerns during cold weather.

Photo caption: Residents of Ta Mu Can Village, Xin Man Commune, reinforce livestock shelters to protect animals from the cold.

In western highland communes of the province, prolonged cold and frost have posed significant challenges to animal husbandry. In the border commune of Xin Man, temperatures in recent days have dropped to 6–7°C.

According to Le Quy Anh, Vice Chairman of the Xin Man Commune People’s Committee, the locality currently has nearly 6,000 buffaloes and cattle and close to 15,000 pigs. In response, the commune has established a steering committee and issued a winter–spring plan to prevent cold- and hunger-related losses, assigning officials to oversee specific villages. Measures include reinforcing shelters, providing warmth, suspending grazing during extreme cold, ensuring adequate feed supplies, disinfecting barns, vaccinating livestock and stepping up public awareness campaigns.

Anticipating that severe cold conditions may persist, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has rolled out coordinated measures to protect livestock and minimize losses. Since the beginning of winter, the department has issued and advised the issuance of seven directives guiding cold-weather prevention for livestock and aquaculture during the winter–spring season. To date, no livestock losses caused by severe cold or frost have been recorded across the province, reflecting the effectiveness of proactive measures taken by both authorities and farmers.

Van Long