Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1: Objectives The Law on Livestock Production and Veterinary Matters defines the principles, rules and regulations related to the organization, management and inspection of livestock production and veterinary activities in order to boost, promote and develop the nation's potential in animal production and related livestock resources. Its objectives are: to help to guarantee food security and ensure standards to safeguard consumers; to create the conditions necessary for the growth and development of the animal product processing industry; to participate and contribute to strong social and economic development (i.e. National Development); to help to create a better quality of life for the people of Lao PDR; and to ensure sustainable environmental protection.
Article 2: Livestock Production Livestock Production is the process of raising animals in appropriate locations under proper administration and management, while developing and improving breeding/parent stock by providing enough feed and water in quantity and quality in order to maintain the animals in good health and by correct breeding. Proper husbandry practices will also ensure adequate reproduction in order to respond to domestic demand and commercial production for export without negative impacts on society or the environment.
Article 3: Animal Health Protection Animal health protection is the care and protection of animal health and a means of combating animal disease i.e. prevention, surveillance, control and eradication of infectious animal diseases and treatment of sick or injured animals. The veterinary field also includes the management and control of commercial animal products in order to guarantee the safety of the consumer and protection of the environment.
Article 4: Definitions The terms used in this law have the following meanings:
1. Animal refers to all creatures raised by humans such as elephants, horses, cattle, buffalo, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and others;
2. Animal registration refers to the collection of domestic animal history and data such as animal species, name, age, sex, color, identification tag, breed class/type, identifying characteristics or markings on the animal body, unique characteristics, and names of the owner. Registration certifies ownership of the animal;
3. Livestock officials/staff are civil servants in charge of animal production, who have specializations in the field of animal production;
4. Livestock production entrepreneur refers to individuals, families or entities that undertake the activities and business of animal production;
5. Livestock farm refers to a place regarding which a State grants permission to individuals, families or entities to undertake large scale animal production for commercial purposes for domestic usage and export with investment, management and technological applications;
6. Animal genetic improvement refers to improving the quality of animal breeding genes;
7. Conservation of domestic animals refers to the maintenance and use of animals to ensure their preservation and sustainable use with proper management;
8. Preservation of animal stock refers to the protection of specially bred species so that they belong to the owner and cannot be transferred to others;
9. Protection refers to the protection of animals from destruction or loss;
10. Slaughterhouse refers to a place which is technically constructed and equipped with appropriate tools for animal slaughtering;
11. Slaughter point refers to a place where animal slaughtering is permitted in limited numbers;
12. Animal products refers to products extracted from whole parts of the animal such as whole carcasses, half carcasses, meat, milk, eggs, skin, horns, bones, blood, slaughter offal, fat, feathers, hooves, semen, embryos, ovarian cells, and other parts;
13. Animal commodity refers to animal products, live animals, biological products, pathological materials, animal feed, drugs and animal husbandry and veterinary equipment;
14. Importation refers to the import of animal commodities into the territory of Lao PDR as regulated;
15. Exportation refers to the export of animal commodities out of the territory of Lao PDR as regulated;
16. Transit refers to animal commodities which pass in transit through the territory of Lao PDR on their way to a third country as permitted by regulations;
17. Veterinary ethics refers to the code of conduct expected of a veterinarian by which he/she is responsible for conducting his/her profession in a fair and responsible manner;
18. Animal welfare refers to the appropriate use of animal labour, responsibility for animal health care, provision of adequate feed and water, prevention of abuse, etc.;
19. Veterinarians refers to animal doctors who have been educated at an educational institution and who have specialized veterinary certificates;
20. Veterinary officer refers to public officials working in veterinary fields with specializations in veterinary practice;
21. Veterinary inspector refers to public veterinarians who have been officially appointed by the Management Authority for livestock production and veterinary matters to conduct inspections of livestock production and veterinary practice;
22. Village Veterinary Worker refers to an individual who has volunteered or been appointed by a Village Authority to take responsibility for animal health within the village. The person shall have received basic training in veterinary practice and is registered with the District Veterinary and Livestock Administrative Management Authority;
23. Veterinary entrepreneur refers to individuals, families or entities undertaking Veterinary activities and business;
24. Animal feed refers to fresh feedstuff, primary-processed and finished feedstuff extracted from natural sources, agricultural products and waste from processing industries with nutritious qualities;
25. Fresh feed refers to unprocessed feed such as green grass, starchy roots, corn, beans, crops for feedstuff, etc.;
26. Primary-processed feedstuff refers to materials used to produce feedstuff such as broken rice, rice polish, ground corn, dried starchy roots and grass, composted grass and rice straw, agricultural and processed industrial waste, etc.;
27. Finished feedstuff refers to feed produced according to nutritious ingredients which is suitable for certain types of animal;
28. Animal husbandry systems refers to types, approaches and management of animal rearing appropriate to the conditions and environment of each area;
29. Butcher shop refers to a space for selling meat and animal products which complies with technical standards and phytosanitary principles;
30. Bio-security refers to the proper management of livestock production in such a way as to avoid animal diseases, and social and environmental impacts;
Article 5: Government Policies on Livestock Production and Veterinary Activities The state advances and promotes the development of livestock production and veterinary activities in order to expand, strengthen and sustain these fields. This is done by exchanging primitive and traditional small holder-based animal production systems for new ones in accordance with the technical principles of management and control; and by transforming natural-based animal husbandry systems into semi-intensive and intensive production i.e. modernizing through development and implementation of appropriate laws, rules and regulations on investment, marketing, breeding, techniques, technology, scientific research and study, and other related practices in order to respond to domestic demand; and to improve the livelihoods of the Lao multiethnic populations i.e. generate additional income for the households and develop market oriented commercial products for export. The state supports and promotes individuals, families and organizations, both domestic and foreign, to invest in livestock production related work/activities and defends their interests in accordance with laws, rules and regulations of Lao PDR.
Article 6: General Principles related to the Field of Livestock Production and Veterinary Activities The main principles in the field of livestock production and veterinary activities are as follows:
1. Livestock production and veterinary activities shall be developed and modernized in accordance with global changes and the national socio-economic plan in each work period;
2. Livestock production shall be developed, together with animal health protection, in combating animal diseases. The concept of prevention is recognized as an underlying component of disease surveillance, control and eradication;
3. Conservation and preservation of the best local and indigenous livestock genetic material (in order to prevent the future disappearance of certain species of animal) shall be conducted together with the development and improvement of new genetic material (in order to increase productivity and quality);
4. The safety of consumers and the interests of entrepreneurs in the field of livestock production and veterinary activities shall be guaranteed in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of Lao PDR;
5. The administration, management and inspection practices of livestock production and veterinary activities and the expansion of these practices shall be developed in harmony with sustainable agriculture and forestry production and environmental protection (i.e. the effective use of animals, conservation of land fertility, clean water resources, ecological equilibrium, etc.)
6. Livestock production and veterinary activities shall be developed consistently with guidelines on human resource development;
7. The systematic implementation of livestock production and the appropriate management of land/premises for that purpose without adverse impacts on society or the environment shall be encouraged;
8. Work/activities in the field of livestock production and veterinary activities shall be administered, managed and inspected in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of Lao PDR and international agreements and conventions of which Lao PDR is a member.
Article 7: International Cooperation The state promotes links and cooperation with foreign countries/individuals and international organizations in the field of livestock production and veterinary activities through the development of human resources; conducting scientific and technological research; upgrading technical skills; exchanging information, experiences and lessons learned; and following the implementation of international agreements and conventions to which Lao PDR is a member, particularly those aimed at combating epidemics of trans-boundary animal diseases. These efforts are aimed at creating new conditions for the development of livestock production and veterinary activities i.e. by the step-by-step expansion and modernization of these fields.
Chapter II Livestock Production
Section 1 Livestock Production Activities
Article 8: Livestock Production Activities Primary livestock production activities are as follows:
1. Surveys to gather statistical data on animals, locations/land/premises, and zoning for livestock production areas;
2. Strategic Plan for livestock production development;
3. Scientific Studies and Research on the development of livestock production;
Article 9: Surveys of Livestock Production, Locations/Land/Premises, and Zoning for Livestock Production Areas Surveys of livestock production and locations used for livestock production involve the collection of data on the numbers of each species of animal, growth rates and geographical locations/land/premises in order to create an appropriate gene pool and herd balance and to establish zones for animal production for each kind and species of animal. Surveys on livestock production and the establishment of zones for livestock production for each kind and species of animal are the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It shall coordinate with local administrative authorities and other organizations concerned in order to implement and build up databases for livestock production development planning in each period.
Article 10: Strategic Plan for Livestock Production Development Under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, local administrative authorities and other concerned organizations will determine and set up a strategic plan on administration/management, protection and development of livestock production (for each kind and species of animal) in order to create a general directive for establishing programs, projects and measures over the short, middle and long term.
Article 11: Scientific Study and Research on the Development of Livestock Production The State encourages individuals, families and organizations to conduct scientific research, studies, and experiments on livestock production, techniques, animal breed development, feed and forage plantations. Together with scientific study and research, the State encourages investment in the creation of a Scientific Research Institute, Center, and Laboratories in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of Lao PDR and International Conventions. The importation and exportation of animals and animal samples, such as carcasses or any part of a carcass or samples, for scientific research and study shall be granted a permit by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The outcomes of scientific research and studies should be reported to the organizations concerned by the person responsible.
Article 12: Development of Livestock Production Systems The development of livestock production systems is the development of an integrated system of animal husbandry processes comprising: conservation and preservation of local/indigenous animal breed genetic material, improvement, development and conservation of animal breed genetic material, the development of animal feed, and effective methods and techniques of management in the field of livestock production. Individuals, families and organizations can improve and multiply animal genetic material and produce various kinds of animal feed. They are encouraged to shift from natural based animal husbandry systems to intensive production management systems that use appropriate science and technology. The Agriculture and Forestry Sector is responsible for coordinating with local administrative authorities and other organizations concerned in order to develop animal production systems (for each kind and species) and to modernize them gradually. The aim is to provide sufficient breed and feed, techniques and methods for raising each kind/species of animal in accordance with the conditions and environment of each region. The end goal is to improve the productivity of domestic animals and to enhance livestock productivity in order to respond to domestic needs and to produce adequate supplies for export.
Article 13: Animal Registration Large domestic animals such as elephants, horses, cattle, buffaloes and other species, as deemed necessary and including farm animals, older than one year should be registered. The District/Municipal Office of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for coordinating with local administrations to register animals. Registration tallies should be regularly reported to the Provincial/City Office of Agriculture and Forestry. The method and process of animal registration will be defined in special rules and regulations.
Article 14: Uses of Domestic Animals Uses of domestic animals are defined as follows:
Article 15: Uses of Animals for the Public Interest Uses of animals for the public interest are defined as follows: - For show in public fairs and exhibitions; - Use in scientific research, studies and experiments and other public interest in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations.
Article 16: Uses of Animals for Household Purposes Uses of animals for household purposes are as follows: - Use for labor; and - Use for consumption, processing and distribution in order to generate additional income for households. Animals that are used for household consumption, processing and distribution should be healthy, clean and safe in accordance with hygienic principles.
Article 17: Uses of Animals for Business Purposes Uses of animals for business purposes includes use in zoos, business, production and supply of animal breeding stock, import, export, transit, sport, tourism, processing, distribution or slaughtering, leasing and other services in accordance with the laws and regulations;
Section 2 Livestock Production Business
Article 18: Livestock Production Business Business activities in the field of livestock production are defined as follows:
3. Feed distribution and material and equipment for livestock production;
5. Supply of genetic material and services for breeding/reproduction;
6. Animal trade, meat distribution and processing;
7. Creation of Private vocational schools in the field of animal husbandry; and
8. Production of documentaries on animal husbandry. Businesses must comply with the existing laws and regulations of Lao PDR.
Article 19: Approval and Licensing to Conduct Business in Livestock Production Individuals, families and organizations, both domestic and foreign, that intend to conduct business in the field of livestock production as defined in Article 18 of this law should receive approval from the Agriculture and Forestry Sector, which will offer technical recommendations on the related proposal, and should request a license to operate a business in the field of livestock production from the authorities concerned. The enterprise should be registered in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of Lao PDR.
Article 20: Animal Feed Production Individuals, families or entities that intend to conduct business involved in animal feed production must comply with the technical standards relating to premises, feed production systems, conservation of raw material and quality control of feed as defined by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and other sectors concerned in order to guarantee the quality of feed (i.e. suitability for animals) and to prevent adverse impacts on society and the environment.
Article 21: Animal Feed Analysis Individuals, families or entities that intend to conduct business in the field of animal feed quality control and analysis or feed-related scientific research and study must obtain approval from the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and other sectors concerned in order to guarantee the quality of feed (i.e. suitability for animals) and to prevent adverse impacts on society and the environment. (This requires proper management, correct and accurate work and experienced human resources.)
Article 22: Distribution of Animal Feed and Equipment for Livestock Production Individuals, families or entities intending to conduct sales or to import and export animal feed and equipment for livestock production shall follow the law, offer cooperation, and pay special attention to reporting requirements so that the authorities concerned are able to monitor or collect samples of animal feed for quality analysis.
Article 23: Farm Establishment Individuals, families or entities intending to establish farms for breeding or the expansion of breeding stock and commercial production for domestic use and export shall comply with the technical standards in terms of location, farming systems, and animal production systems identified by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector or other sectors concerned as specified. There are three scales of farm: small, medium and large as defined by specific regulations. Farms intending to improve animal genetics, breeding, and import and export of animal stock, shall be granted approval by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector, in collaboration with other related sectors.
Article 24: Animal Breeding Supply and Service Individuals, families or entities that intend to undertake animal breeding supply and insemination services, mainly for the distribution of semen and natural or artificial insemination, shall comply with the technical standards on quality of stock, semen, and insemination techniques issued by the sector concerned.
Article 25: Animal Trade, Meat Distribution and Animal Product Processing Individuals, families or entities intending to conduct business on animal trade, meat distribution, animal product processing and animal trade fairs shall comply with the technical standards and laws in order to avoid negative impacts on consumers, society and the environment.
Article 26: Establishment of Animal Husbandry Vocational Schools Individuals, families or entities proposing to operate a business establishing animal husbandry professional schools shall comply with the regulations and curricula adopted by the sectors concerned so as to better develop qualified human resources to respond to the needs of animal husbandry development during various times.
Article 27: Production of Animal Husbandry Documentaries Individuals, families or entities intending to conduct business involving the production of documentaries on animal production techniques or results of experiments shall receive prior approval from the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and authorization from other sectors concerned.
Section 3 Livestock Production Promotion
Article 28: Livestock Production Promotion With supportive policies on investment, techniques, ICT, marketing and other incentives to effectively expand livestock production, the State will promote both domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities to raise different types of animal with diversified approaches and systems. These will include: free range systems within limited areas, partly free range, half-caged and caged methods for households and groups or livestock producer associations. All these activities shall be conducted in parallel with veterinary service activities. The State will promote backyard (smallholder based) livestock production levels by: establishing animal production revolving funds at the village level; providing animal reproductive material and grass seed, fodder and technical assistance; organizing study tours appropriately; and encouraging involvement in animal husbandry and health care.
Article 29: Investment Promotion The State will promote both domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities to invest or participate in livestock production by encouraging family units, joint venture forms, state-private joint ventures as stipulated in the investment law and other related laws; In cases in which disease outbreaks and official notification is made for the culling and destruction of animals for the purpose of containing outbreaks, the State has pledged reasonable compensation schemes. The State will promote the establishment of various revolving funds to support the production of different animal species. Contributions will be made by the government, individuals, domestic and international organizations.
Article 30: Land Management and Land Use for Livestock Production The State will appropriately manage and promote individuals, families, and entities within their own capacity to use, lease or concede land for different types of livestock production according to intended target uses and the potentials of different regions. Such activities shall pose no negative impacts to the natural resources or society and will support livestock production by following the laws and regulations.
Article 31: Animal Breeding Promotion The State will support and promote individuals, families and entities to undertake the production and expansion of animal breeds, such as pure breeds, cross breeds and indigenous breeds, which grow and reproduce well. In this regard, the State has issued supportive policies such as facilitating the importation of materials, equipment and parent stock; provision of credits; and tax exemptions for public livestock breeding improvement centers, stations and entrepreneurs in accordance with the laws and regulations.
Article 32: Technical, Scientific and Technological Promotion The State supports both domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities that have invested or contributed to livestock production development in terms of technical assistance and transfer of advanced technology on livestock production, training, seminars, study tours, and the provision of technical staff for on-the-job training for the purposes of the industrialization and modernization of livestock production activities.
Article 33: Information Access and Marketing Promotion The State will support individuals, families and entities that undertake livestock production as a profession by providing information on livestock production and marketing including animal husbandry techniques, animal breeding, national and international quality and standards of livestock production, animal demand, and fluctuation of animal prices within and outside the country.
Chapter III Veterinary Matters
Section 1 Veterinary Activities
Article 34: Veterinary Activities Veterinary activities include all functions related to veterinary management and service including:
1. Prevention and control of epidemic diseases of animals;
2. Control of animal movements, animal commodities, and the temporary confinement and quarantine of animals;
3. Supervision of slaughter and the inspection of meat and animal products.
Article 35: Prevention and Control of Epidemic Diseases of Animals The prevention and control of animal epidemic diseases includes:
1. Prevention of epidemic diseases of animals includes surveillance and monitoring of epidemic diseases, vaccination, and treatment;
2. Control of epidemic diseases of animals includes strategic planning for containing and eradicating epidemic diseases, epidemic disease control measures, compulsory notification of diseases; notification of suspicious cases of sick and dead animals caused by epidemic diseases; reporting on epidemic diseases; declaration of epidemic zones; and interventions to be taken during outbreaks.
Article 36: Surveillance and Monitoring of Epidemic Diseases of Animals Surveillance and monitoring of epidemic diseases of animals are actions taken to observe, record and report abnormal circumstances and the collection of epidemiological data such as source, morbidity, mortality, sampling, analysis, diagnosis, and risk assessment. The Agriculture and Forestry Sector, in collaboration with other concerned sectors and local authorities, will conduct surveillance and monitoring of animal diseases periodically and systematically both in routine and emergency cases. All sectors should, by public awareness campaigns, be encouraged to participate in these efforts in order to prevent threats from epidemic diseases that may lead to economic and social losses.
Article 37: Vaccination and Treatment Animals held by individuals, families, and other entities shall be vaccinated using proper techniques regularly and periodically in order to prevent the negative consequences of epidemic diseases. When animals appear abnormal or are infected by a certain disease, such animals should be inspected and treated in a timely manner case by case.
Article 38: Strategic Planning for Containing and Eradicating Epidemic Diseases of Animals The Agriculture and Forestry Sector, in collaboration with other sectors and local authorities, identifies and lays strategic plans to contain and eradicate disease epidemics as part of an overall strategy for formulating immediate and long term plans, projects and measures. It also encourages all sectors to participate in the process of containing and eradicating disease epidemics.
Article 39: Control Measures for Epidemic Diseases of Animals For the effective control of epidemic diseases of animals locally or nationwide, and in order to halt the spread of such diseases, the following measures should be applied:
1. Observe the clinical symptoms; quarantine and isolate animals that are under suspicion of infection;
2. Cull or destroy infected animals or animals under suspicion of infection following an appropriate timeframe;
3. Disinfect or destroy contaminated or suspected equipment/instruments;
4. Control the movement, transportation, collection and concealment of animals throughout the country or in specified areas of the country;
5. Apply officially prescribed measures for the control of epidemic diseases of animals.
6. The above mentioned measures should be implemented according to established rules and regulations, and the owners of the animals should be compensated appropriately case by case.
Article 40: Compulsory Notification of Diseases Compulsory notification of diseases is required for epidemic diseases of animals that are severely harmful, fast spreading, transmissible between animals and from animals to humans, from one area to another or from one country to another which will cause damage to the economy and to society such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, hemorrhagic septicaemia, anthrax, classical swine fever, rabies and other animal diseases. Compulsory notifiable diseases are identified in List A of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and in specific regulations.
Article 41: Notification of Animals Suspected of Epidemic Disease Infection Owners of animals shall inform the nearest Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority or village authority immediately upon the detection of any sick or dead animals with unknown causes.
Article 42: Reporting of Epidemic Diseases If sick or dead animals suspected of carrying epidemic diseases are found, the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority shall issue an order to isolate and quarantine the animals in a separate area until laboratory results are obtained. In cases in which results from the laboratory confirms the presence of an epidemic disease, the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority shall report to local authorities or government in order to declare affected epidemic zones as specified in article 43 of the law.
Article 43: Declaration of Epidemic Zones The local authority or government declares or revokes epidemic zones as proposed by the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority by the following:
1. If the outbreak occurs within one district or municipality, the chief of the district or mayor of the municipality declares the epidemic zone;
2. If the outbreak occurs in more than one district or municipality, but within one province or municipality, the governor and mayor of the municipality will make the declaration;
3. If the outbreak occurs in more than one province, the prime minister will make the declaration.
Article 44: Operations during an Outbreak The Livestock and Veterinary Management Authorities shall undertake investigations of animals in epidemic zones to determine the disease causing the outbreak. If an epidemic disease is found, appropriate control measures shall be taken in order to halt the spread of the disease. Additionally, necessary vaccination for healthy animals must still be carried out, and disinfection of farm areas, housing and equipment must be performed in accordance with veterinary technical guidelines.
Article 45: Movement Control of Animals and Animal Commodities, and Quarantine Control of the movement of animals and animal commodities and quarantine of animals includes:
1. Domestic movements of animals and animal commodities;
2. International movements of animals and animal commodities;
3. Temporary seizures of animal commodities and animal quarantine;
Article 46: Domestic Movements of Animals and Animal Commodities Domestic movements of animals and animal commodities from one place to another shall comply with the specific regulations of the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority.
Article 47: International Movements of Animals and Animal Commodities International movements of animals and animal commodities, import, export and transit via the territory of the Lao PDR shall be inspected by a veterinarian at border checkpoints, and the inspection must be conducted in accordance with the specific regulations of the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority.
Article 48: Temporary Seizures of Animal Commodities and Animal Quarantine In cases in which animals and animal commodities are found to be non-compliant with the transport regulations, or the items are suspected of infection by a severe epidemic disease, or are in a condition that makes transportation impossible, the following measures apply:
1. Detain and confine the animal to allow rest; provide feed and water to the animal if necessary, and isolate it in the specific areas prepared for inspection and surveillance;
2. Confiscate and detain the animal commodities in the areas specifically prepared for inspection;
3. In cases of suspected or detected severe epidemic disease the animal disease control measures identified by the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority must be implemented. In cases in which an animal or animal commodities are returned to the owner, the regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry must be applied.
Article 49: Supervision of Animal Slaughter and the Inspection of Meat and Animal Products Supervision of slaughter and the inspection of meat and animal products includes:
5. Storage, processing, trade and transportation of animal products.
Article 50: Slaughterhouses and Slaughter Points Individuals, families or entities with the intention of establishing slaughterhouses or slaughter points shall comply with zoosanitary standards on location, design, operational systems, and hygiene standards used by workers, storage and transportation of meat and animal products as prescribed by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and other sectors concerned.
Article 51: Animal Slaughter and Dressing Animal slaughter and dressing for distribution to consumers shall be strictly conducted at designated slaughterhouses or slaughter points under the authorization and supervision of the sectors concerned and the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority. The slaughter of cattle, buffaloes and pigs for household consumption or traditional festival events shall be permitted, but the village authorities must be informed so as to allow inspection by village veterinary workers for the purpose of statistics management, safety and the sanitary health of consumers.
Article 52: Meat and Animal Products Inspection Pre- and post-mortem inspection of animals includes monitoring and hygiene control of slaughterhouses, slaughter points and meat inspection. This shall be conducted by veterinary staff who have undergone special training in meat inspection and appointed by the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority. Procedures for zoosanitary inspection of meat and animal products have been prescribed in specific regulations and other related laws.
Article 53: Zoo-Sanitary Certification of Animal Products Meat and animal products to be distributed or consumed shall be inspected, sealed and certified for hygiene by meat inspectors. If the meat and animal products are not suitable for consumption, they shall not be permitted to be distributed, bought or sold, or stored. Instead, such meat and animal products shall be disposed of under the strict management and supervision of a veterinarian or meat inspector. The disposal of meat and animal products has been prescribed in specific regulations. If the meat and animal products will be used for other purposes, they shall comply with prescribed criteria and sanitary principles.
Article 54: Storage, Processing, Trade and Transportation of Animal Products Facilities for storing, processing and selling of animal products shall comply with the prescribed technical standards and regulations. Transportation of carcasses, meat and animal products for distribution shall use standardized transport containers as prescribed by specific rules and regulations.
Section 2 Veterinary Business
Article 55: Veterinary Business Veterinary businesses comprise the following:
Article 56: Licensing of Veterinary Businesses Domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities who intend to conduct a veterinary business as stipulated in article 55 of the law shall receive veterinary technical permission from the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and business registration and business operation licenses from the sectors concerned as prescribed in the law.
Article 57: Animal Treatment Service In order to secure quality prevention and treatment services, individuals, families and entities who intend to conduct business in veterinary clinics or animal treatment areas providing prevention and treatment services shall comply with technical standards on locations, personnel and services as prescribed by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and other sectors concerned.
Article 58: Production of Vaccines and Medicines In order to secure quality vaccines and appropriate treatment services and to avoid negative socio-environmental impacts, individuals, families and entities who intend to conduct business involving the production of vaccines and drugs shall comply with technical standards on location, personnel, manufacturing systems, and production systems for vaccines and drugs, raw materials storage, quality inspection for vaccines and drugs as prescribed by the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and other sectors concerned.
Article 59: Sale of Animal Vaccines, Medicines and Veterinary Equipment Individuals, families or entities who intend to conduct business which involves the sale, import or export of vaccines, medicines and veterinary equipment shall comply with the technical standards on location, personnel and storage facilities and cooperate with authorities concerned for reporting, monitoring or collecting of samples of vaccines and medicines for analysis.
Article 60: Animal Disease Analysis Individuals, families or entities proposing to conduct business involving the establishment of animal disease laboratories for the provision of disease analysis, study or research shall comply with the technical standards on location, personnel, diagnostic material and equipment, and management systems; and maintain standards for quality and for accurate and timely diagnosis.
Article 61: Establishment of Veterinary Professional Schools To develop adequate qualified human resources capable of applying veterinary expertise and in line with up-to-date veterinary development, individuals, families or entities proposing to undertake business involving the establishment of veterinary vocational/professional schools shall comply with the regulations and curricula accredited by the sectors concerned.
Article 62: The Production of Animal Disease Documentaries Individuals, families or entities proposing to undertake business involving the production of animal disease documentaries including epidemic diseases of animals, the results of experiments on prevention, animal treatment, and control of epidemic diseases shall seek prior approval from the Agriculture and Forestry Sector and be granted permission by the sectors concerned.
Part 3 Veterinary Service Promotion
Article 63: Veterinary Service Promotion The State promotes both domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities to undertake veterinary business activities as referred to in the law with incentive policies such as investment, technical assistance, information access, and the establishment of veterinary associations aimed at the improvement of quality veterinary services.
Article 64: Investment Promotion The State promotes domestic and foreign individuals, families and entities to invest or contribute funds towards the development of veterinary services through private and joint-venture investments as prescribed by the law. The State promotes the establishment of funds to support the effectiveness of veterinary service activities. Funds are derived from government contributions, individuals, and domestic and foreign organizations.
Article 65: Technical Support and Information Access The State promotes domestic and foreign individuals, families or entities to invest or contribute to the areas of veterinary business by providing technical advice, on-the-job training, information access, advanced technology transfer, prevention and treatment through training, seminars, study tours, etc..
Chapter IV Rights, Duties and Obligations of Entrepreneurs and Consumers
Section 1 Rights, Duties and Obligations of Livestock Production Entrepreneurs
Article 66: Rights and Duties of Livestock Production Entrepreneurs Individuals, families or entities engaged in livestock production enterprises have the primary rights and duties as follows:
1. To manage, develop, use, transfer, or inherit animals as prescribed in the law;
2. To have production protected in forms of compensation and other means as prescribed in the law;
3. To be assisted or provided with technical or technological advice on animal production;
4. To be eligible for tax exemption or reduction for the importation of animal breeding stock, feed, necessary equipment, export of animal and animal products as prescribed in the law;
5. To be supported and promoted regarding credits and markets, including fair prices;
6. To operate and undertake business in accordance with the law;
7. To participate in the activities of livestock producer associations as appropriately specified by the association.
Article 67: Obligations of Entrepreneurs Livestock production entrepreneurs have the following primary duties:
1. To undertake livestock production activities as specified by authorisation, feasibility studies, business law and other related laws;
2. To protect, manage, develop and care for animals; be responsible for their own animals that cause damage to others; and ensure that the animal(s) will not create negative impacts on society or the environment;
3. To follow livestock production methods using sound bio-security systems and provide animals with necessary vaccines as defined by the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authorities as prescribed in the law;
4. To cooperate with public officers, help facilitate the work of officials and provide necessary information;
5. To correctly inform the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority of their location and production status so that monitoring, support and assistance can be conducted in a timely fashion;
6. To publicise and promote livestock production activities;
7. To contribute funds or labour to the development of livestock production and the protection of the natural environment;
8. To use all ways and means to protect the health of animals and humans and the environment, and halt all types of activities that will cause epidemic diseases of animal;
9. To pay fees for livestock production as prescribed in the law.
Section 2 Rights, Duties and Obligations of Veterinary Entrepreneurs
Article 68: Rights and Duties of Veterinary Entrepreneurs Individuals, families or entities that have undertaken business on veterinary entrepreneurship have the following primary rights and duties:
1. To take ownership of the entrepreneurship and outputs from the business operation;
2. To lease, buy and sell the business as provided by the law;
3. To have the protection of rights and benefits as provided by the law;
4. To be assisted and supported and technically and technologically advised on veterinary practices;
5. To be eligible for tax exemptions or reductions for the importation and exportation of chemical substances, drugs necessary for prevention and treatment, and necessary equipment as provided by the law;
6. To ensure that construction, installation of devices and materials for the operation comply with the regulations of the sectors concerned;
7. To carry out veterinary activities in accordance with permitted techniques and scope;
8. To participate in the activities of veterinary associations as appropriately specified by the association.
Article 69: Obligations of Veterinary Entrepreneurs Veterinary entrepreneurs have the following obligations:
1. To operate the business with authorisation and feasibility studies as provided by the law;
2. To take responsibility for proper animal health; provide vaccines and treatment;
3. To take ownership in implementing measures for surveillance, prevention, containment and control of epidemic cases in a timely manner;
4. To inform or report to the local authority and Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority situations or events in which animals infected by contagious or epidemic diseases are found or suspected;
5. To publicise and promote veterinary activities;
6. To contribute funds or labour to the development of veterinary activities and the protection of the natural environment;
7. To use all methods to protect the health of animals and humans, the environment and to halt all forms of activity that may spread epidemic diseases of animals;
8. To cooperate with public officers, facilitate the work of officials and provide necessary information;
10. To pay fees for veterinary entrepreneurship and associations as prescribed by the law.
Section 3 Rights, Duties and Obligations of Consumers
Article 70: Rights and Duties of Consumers Consumers have the following primary rights and duties:
1. To be protected from health and property damage caused by the use of and consumption of substandard animal products certified by the officers concerned;
2. To make proposals to the concerned sectors to solve livestock production issues, such as farms or similar locations, animal products processing areas, and other areas that do not meet standardized regulations, such as inappropriate locations or areas without waste treatment facilities, thus adversely impacting society and environment;
3. To claim for indemnities or damages from entrepreneurs responsible for impacts on health;
4. To inform or report to the local authority and Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority situations, events or cases of animals detected or suspected to be infected with infectious diseases or contaminated animal products that are presented for distribution or sale in markets or other areas.
Article 71: Obligations of Consumers Consumers have the following obligations:
1. To consume hygienic meat or animal product parts;
2. To properly dispose of animal remains and waste; disposal in public places is prohibited;
3. To participate in the prevention, containment and control of epidemic diseases of animals as stated in the law.
Chapter V Prohibitions
Article 72: General Prohibitions Individuals, families and other entities are prohibited from committing the following:
1. Any action that may lead to epidemic disease of animals or that, by the use of hazardous chemicals, will have adverse impacts on the health of animals and humans, society, the economy and the environment;
2. Movement, import, export and transport of animals and animal commodities that are not in compliance with the laws and regulations, including any attempts at forging animal-related documents;
3. Illegal trade in animals and animal commodities;
4. Killing, slaughtering or consuming animals, sick or dead from unknown causes, or those affected by epidemic diseases or containing highly persistent organic pollutants (POP);
5. Dumping of carcasses or parts of dead animals in public places, the environment, or other areas;
6. Killing or slaughtering pregnant animals, particularly draught animals or those in the breeding period;
7. Bribing of veterinary officers or veterinary inspectors;
8. Threatening, delaying or impeding the performance of the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority;
9. Tormenting animals or other actions which violate the laws on livestock production and veterinary matters;
10. Raising animals in community areas, municipal towns or in areas not designated for animal production;
11. Allowing free-roaming animals in community areas, municipal towns and along highways;
12. Distribution or concealment of infected or suspected animals or animal products.
Article 73: Prohibitions for Livestock and Veterinary Officers and Veterinary Inspectors In addition to the prohibitions identified in Article 72 of this law, the following are prohibited for livestock and veterinary officers and veterinary inspectors:
1. Misuse of his/her rights and position; use of violence, force or threat, and bribes that may lead to damages to public, collective and individual interests caused by veterinary and livestock activities;
2. Disclosure of public or official confidential items; delay or falsification of documents; acting irresponsibly in the given tasks on livestock and veterinary activities.
Chapter VI Conflict Resolution
Article 74: Conflict Resolution Principles Conflict resolution on livestock and veterinary practice shall comply with general principles of administrative and civil conflict resolution on the basis of compromise.
Article 75: Forms of Conflict Resolution Conflicts relating to livestock and veterinary practice shall be resolved according to the following:
1. Resolution by consultation and compromise with the village authority;
2. Administrative resolution by the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authorities;
3. Resolution by the Economic Conflict Resolution Committee;
Article 76: International Conflict Resolution Resolution of conflicts on livestock and veterinary practices that are international in nature shall be based on the contract and treaties to which Lao PDR is a party and related international regulations.
Chapter VII Livestock Production and Veterinary Management and Inspections
Section 1 Management (State Administration)
Article 77: Administrative Organizations The Government administers (controls and manages) activities in livestock production and veterinary matters in harmony by a centralized system and gives authority to the Agriculture and Forestry Sector to act as the management and coordination center along with other sectors concerned such as Public Health, Industry and Commerce, the National Organization of Science and Technology, the Water Resources and Environment Organization, the Animal Producer Association, the Veterinary Association, and the Local Administration Authority. The Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority comprises:
Article 78: Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry In the administration and management of livestock production and veterinary activities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has the following rights and duties:
1. To study and transform policy guidelines, strategies, policy plans and other policies of the Party/State into detailed programs, projects, laws, rules and regulations (of the State) in order to administer and manage activities in livestock production and the veterinary sector nationwide;
2. To disseminate laws, rules and regulations concerning livestock production and veterinary matters to all people;
3. To lead and monitor, control and inspect, and evaluate the implementation of livestock production and veterinary measures by vertical line agencies, livestock producer associations and veterinary associations nationwide;
4. To coordinate with concerned sectors in the creation of vocational/professional schools in the livestock production and veterinary fields, livestock production and veterinary research institutes, animal feed laboratory, animal disease laboratory; training and upgrading of technical knowledge and skills in the livestock production and veterinary fields for officials/staffs and people.
5. To review and comment on livestock production and veterinary investment.
6. To raise and mobilize funds from both domestic and international sources for livestock and veterinary management and development;
7. To resolve conflicts, issue orders to agencies concerned to implement measures and prohibitions; and strictly monitor and control these;
8. To collaborate with concerned sectors and local authorities in implementing livestock and veterinary activities such as the collection of data on animal production and areas with a good potential to be designated as livestock development zones:
9. To communicate and cooperate with foreign Agencies in livestock and veterinary activities;
10. To report regularly to the government on the performance of the livestock and veterinary sectors.
Article 79: Rights and Duties of the Provincial and Vientiane Capital Agriculture and Forestry Offices In the Administration and Management of livestock production and veterinary activities, Provincial/City Offices of Agriculture and Forestry have the main rights and duties as follows:
1. To expand and implement policies, strategies, resolutions, orders, rules and regulations on livestock production and veterinary activities that are under their responsibility;
2. To advise, disseminate laws, rules and regulations, and information on the development of livestock production and veterinary activities in order to build awareness among the population and strictly implement them;
3. To lead, monitor, supervise and evaluate the implementation of the activities (on livestock production and veterinary activities) of district/town agriculture and forestry offices;
4. To resolve conflicts, make recommendations on livestock production and veterinary activities and business investment to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for consideration;
5. To raise and mobilize funds from both domestic and international sources for livestock and veterinary management and development;
6. To coordinate with local administrations and other concerned organizations to implement work (on livestock production and veterinary activities) under their responsibility.
7. To produce regular reports on the results of the implementation of livestock production and veterinary activities to the provincial/municipality Governor and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Article 80: Rights and Duties of the District and Municipal Agriculture and Forestry Offices Concerning the administration and management of livestock production and veterinary activities, district/municipal Agriculture and Forestry Offices have the main rights and duties as follows:
1. To implement programs, projects, decisions, orders and notices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Provincial/City Agriculture and Forestry Office;
2. To publicise laws, rules and regulations concerning livestock production and veterinary activities in order to build awareness among the population and strictly implement them;
3. To manage and carry out the registration of animals according to the defined rules and regulations;
4. To resolve conflicts, make recommendations on livestock production and veterinary investment to the Provincial/City Agriculture and Forestry Office for consideration;
5. To monitor, assist and lead the implementation of village livestock production and veterinary units;
6. To coordinate with local administrative authorities, livestock producer and veterinary Associations in the District/Municipality and other concerned sectors in order to implement works (in the animal husbandry and veterinary fields) that are under their responsibility;
7. To produce regular reports on the results of the implementation of livestock production and veterinary activities to the province/municipality Agriculture and Forestry Office and district/municipal Governor.
Article 81: Rights and Duties of Village Livestock and Veterinary Units The main rights and duties of village livestock and veterinary units include the following:
1. To coordinate with village administration authorities and livestock or veterinary officers to disseminate livestock and veterinary regulations; organize and to implement animal registration and provide vaccines regularly and in a timely manner, and provide assistance toward containing the spread of epidemics of livestock diseases in the village;
2. To carry out health inspections, inspect for diseases, provide treatment of animals requested by animal owners or entrepreneurs;
3. To participate periodically in meetings, seminars and trainings to improve technical knowledge on livestock and veterinary practices;
4. To participate in the arbitration of animal and veterinary issues in the village;
5. To keep records of all animals in the village including birth, mortality, disease infection, movement and trade, in order to assist village economic staff to report to District Agriculture and Forestry office, municipal town on a regular basis;
6. To check and monitor the health of new groups of animals brought into the village.
7. To produce regular reports on the results of the implementation of livestock production and veterinary activities in the village to the district/municipal Agriculture and Forestry Office and village authority.
Article 82: Livestock Producer Association The Livestock Producer Association is an organization of livestock production entrepreneurs voluntarily established under the agreement of the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority. The association is established for the benefit of the entrepreneur, association and society. Implementation and functions of the Livestock Producer Association are prescribed by specific laws.
Article 83: Veterinary Association The Veterinary Association is a voluntarily established organization of veterinarians under the agreement of the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority. The association is established for the benefit of veterinary entrepreneurs, the association, and society. The implementation and functions of the Veterinary Association are prescribed by specific laws.
Section 2 Inspection
Article 84: Objectives of Livestock and Veterinary Inspection Livestock and veterinary inspections include monitoring and inspection activities by the inspection authorities to ensure the performance of organizations, staff, officers and individual persons including those engaged in livestock production and veterinary businesses. The purpose of the inspections is to ensure that the activities are in compliance with domestic law, and with international contracts and treaties to which Lao PDR is a party.
Article 85: Livestock and Veterinary Inspection Authority The Livestock and Veterinary Inspection Authority and the Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority are the same organizations provided in Article 77 of this law in which the Department of Livestock and Fisheries serves as the secretariat for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and is directly implemented by veterinary inspectors.
Article 86: Rights and Duties of Livestock and Veterinary Inspection Authorities The Livestock and Veterinary Inspection Authority has the following main rights and duties:
1. To inspect the implementation of the laws and regulations that apply to livestock and veterinary sectors;
2. To inspect all activities including livestock and veterinary businesses;
3. To participate in the examination and investigation procedures on livestock and veterinary practice;
4. To recommend to other sectors concerned to issue orders to terminate business activity on livestock and veterinary practice or to abandon the position of livestock and veterinary officers and authority concerned if they are found to be in violation of the law;
5. To coordinate and collaborate with sectors concerned both at central and local levels to implement duties and exercise rights;
6. Periodically and regularly to report to the hierarchical authorities on the results of inspections.
Article 87: Rights and Duties of Veterinary Inspectors Veterinary inspectors have the following main rights and duties:
1. Inspection of livestock farms, animal feed manufacturing factories, animal feed distribution points, slaughterhouses, slaughter points, vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing factories, animal clinics or treatment areas, animal disease laboratories, animal feed laboratories, animal quarantine checkpoints, animal products processing factories, animal commodity transportation containers, and other places that undertake livestock and veterinary activities;
2. Zoo-sanitary inspection of places engaged in trading meat, animals, animal products, storage and processing facilities in order to ensure sanitation and hygiene for consumers by collaborating with the other sectors concerned;
3. To inspect and collect specimens for analysis in cases in which animals or animal products are suspected of being infected or contaminated;
4. To make temporary seizures of animals, meat and animal products if falsified or incomplete sets of documents are found or if suspected of severe disease infection or contamination while awaiting laboratory results;
5. To recommend that inspectors cooperate and provide information on animal and veterinary affairs;
6. To implement inspection measures such as searching of premises; if necessary, deliver orders to temporarily halt activities and issue orders not to move inspected targets;
7. To apply measures to violators of the livestock and veterinary laws under legal jurisdiction;
8. To seize evidence; to advise violators and to file cases and submit to sectors concerned for further procedures as provided by the law.
Article 88: Forms of Inspection Inspection takes the three following forms:
3. Emergency inspection. Routine inspection is the inspection provided for in mandates and rights which are decentralized as a routine and timely inspection; Inspection by prior notification is the sending of advance notification to parties to be inspected based on a periodically implemented plan; Emergency inspection is the ad-hoc inspection of a certain urgent case/issue without sending prior notification to the party to be inspected.
Chapter VIII National Animal Vaccination Day, Uniform, Logo and Stamp of Service
Article 89: National Animal Vaccination Day The State has fixed November 11 as National Animal Vaccination Day in order to raise awareness among people and the society for the prevention of animal diseases and promoting animal health care while aiming to prevent endemic disease infections as well as develop livestock production and veterinary awareness.
Article 90: Uniform, Logo and Stamp The Livestock and Veterinary Management Authority have uniforms for their officers in order to perform work and activities in public service; these are determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Chapter IX Rewards and Penalties
Article 91: Rewards Individuals, families and organizations that achieve remarkable accomplishments in the implementation of the law on livestock production and veterinary matters, especially in the management and development of the livestock production and veterinary fields, combat animal diseases i.e. prevention, surveillance, control and elimination, and conduct scientific research, studies and experiments, shall receive awards and other forms of recognition according to their performance.
Article 92: Penalties Individuals, families and organizations that have violated this law shall be subject to the following sanctions: warnings, fines, civil sanctions, and criminal charges according to the severity of the case.
Article 93: Warnings Individuals, families and organizations that commit minor violations of the law on livestock production and veterinary matters, especially prohibitions, shall be first warned and informed if the violation is not defined as an act against criminal laws and the losses are less than 500,000 Kip and if they honestly admit to their violation i.e. report all wrong actions as well as return all assets or evidence that they unjustly own to the authorities concerned.
Article 94: Disciplinary Sanctions Officers and veterinary inspectors that commit minor violations of the law, rules and regulations related to the animal production and veterinary fields, especially prohibitions, and if this violation is not defined as an act against criminal laws and the losses are less than 500,000 Kip, and only if they do not recognize their mistake i.e. do not report their wrong actions and attempt to conceal their mistake, shall be punished by disciplinary measures depending on their case as follows:
1. The offense noted and written in their personal record book (CV book of civil servant);
2. Temporary ban from promotion to a new rank and step (echelon), salary and rewards;
3. Removal from their current rank of manager or move to another position with a lower rank;
4. Bar from public service without receiving compensation. All violators shall return in full all assets that they do not own to the authority concerned.
Article 95: Penalty Measures Individuals, families and organizations that have violated the livestock production and veterinary laws and the prohibitions described in this Law, and if this violation is not defined as an act against criminal laws and the damage is higher than or equal to 500,000 Kip shall pay a fine that is equal to the value of the damage caused. In the case that the violator commits the violation a second time or many times, the fine shall be equal to twice the value of the damage caused. All assets that are owned unjustly shall be confiscated by the State.
Article 96: Punishment Measures According to Criminal Laws Individuals found guilty of criminal violations of this law (and other related criminal laws) shall be punished according to the criminal act depending on the severity of the violation and shall pay a fine according to the civil law.
Article 97: Additional Punishment Measuress Apart from regular punishment applicable to violations mentioned under article 96, guilty persons or organizations shall be charged with additional measures such as: suspension of activities and withdrawal of license for doing business in the livestock production and veterinary fields.
CHAPTER X Final Provisions
Article 98: Law Implementation The Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic is responsible for the implementation of this Law.
Article 99: Validity of the Law This Law shall enter into force within 180 days after the date of signature of the President of Lao PDR on its promulgation. Any resolutions and provisions that are in contradiction with this Law are abrogated. President of the National Assembly LIST OF EPIDEMIC DISEASES OF ANIMALS FOUND IN LIST A OF THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH (OIE) AND ANIMAL DISEASES FOR WHICH DECLARATION IS REQUIRED Foot and mouth disease Vesicular stomatitis Swine vesicular disease Rinderpest Contagious bovine pleuro pneumonia Peste des petits ruminants Lumpy skin disease Rift Valley fever Blue tongue Sheep and goat pox African horse sickness Classical swine fever Highly pathogenic avian influenza Newcastle disease Anthrax Rabies Haemorrhagic septicaemia Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
