A Public Engagement package to support research towards reductions of antimicrobial usage in farming systems in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam (Intermediate Clinical Fellowship Grant No. 110085/Z/15/Z). (360G-Wellcome-110085_Z_15_B)

The ViParc project (Vietnamese Platform for Antimicrobial Reductions in Chicken Production) started in March 2016. Relevant research staff (project coordinator and laboratory coordinator, both based in OUCRU) have been recruited. Permissions from the Provincial People’s Committee and Sub-Department of Animal Health in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap (SDAH-DT) have been granted. A detailed budget has been drafted and agreed with SDAH-DT. A planning meeting was successfully held on 22nd June 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City with participation of all project partners (including the Royal Veterinary College, Institute of Poultry Diseases and University of Can Tho). A visit to SDAH-DT was carried out to identify potential project veterinarians and to provide them with training on post mortem techniques for poultry (led by Prof. Hafez). Laboratory equipment to carry out testing of antibiotic residues in meat has been purchased and installed in OUCRU, and training has been provided to the laboratory coordinator. A website has been launched to inform about ViParc project activities (www.viparc.org). This has a designated Public Engagement section. A number of field equipment items have been purchased and delivered to SDAH-DT. All forms and SOPs have been developed, as well as a database to capture both laboratory and field data. A meeting with SDAH-DT to discuss setting up the CABs is arranged for mid-September.