DeltaVax: STRENGTHENING TRAINING FOR THE PROJECT’S TECHNICAL TEAM

Figure 1 - Training at Can Tho University

The pangasius farming industry in the Mekong Delta is facing numerous challenges, from environmental changes and disease outbreaks to increasingly stringent export market requirements. In response to this situation, DeltaVax has emerged as a groundbreaking solution aimed at improving sustainability and optimizing production.

The project is funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, with the participation of partners from the Netherlands, Vietnam, and international organizations, including Fresh Studio, Can Tho University (CTU), De Heus, Pharmaq part of Zoetis, Kytos and Alpha Aqua. Its primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of farmers and technical teams while applying advanced technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of pangasius production.

The Project Focuses on Three Key Aspects:

  • Providing knowledge and specialized training for farmers and technical teams on sustainable farming methods.
    Enhancing disease prevention for pangasius through aquatic vaccines, water analysis systems, and qPCR diagnostic technology.
  • Applying advanced water treatment technology to reduce pollution and optimize pond environments.

With this comprehensive approach, DeltaVax aims not only to reduce disease outbreaks and minimize antibiotic use but also to increase productivity and improve the quality of Vietnamese pangasius in the global market.

To achieve this goal, DeltaVax recently conducted a technical training program for its project partners from January 13 to 20, 2025, bringing together experts and technical staff from CTU, Fresh Studio, De Heus, Pharmaq part of Zoetis, Kytos and Alpha Aqua, along with extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The training covered in-depth topics, including:

🔹 Pangasius nursing and care techniques – Larval management, advanced nutrition and feeding management, and optimizing survival rates.
🔹 Water quality management – The importance of microbiomes and methods to balance pond ecosystems.
🔹 Disease prevention and fish welfare – Disease identification, biosecurity measures, and vaccination techniques.
🔹 Application of advanced technology – Introduction to Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), helping conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Figure 2- Advanced nutrition and feeding management training at De Heus Feed Factory

The training sessions took place not only in classrooms but also included practical sessions at laboratories and farms, including Can Tho University, and De Heus Feed Factory and De Heus R&D Farm in Vinh Long Province.

Figure 3 - Practical training on methods and techniques for disease identification, biosecurity measures, and vaccination techniques.

The training program not only equips participants with knowledge but also serves as an initial step toward a sustainable pangasius industry. The trained technical teams will continue to support farmers through on-site coaching and guidance, helping them adopt and effectively apply advanced farming techniques.

Figure 4 - Practical training at a real pangasius farming site

As a result, DeltaVax not only provides short-term benefits but also creates a long-lasting impact, improving the quality of Vietnamese pangasius, strengthening its competitiveness in the export market, and driving the aquaculture sector toward sustainable development.

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