Hantavirus exposure among wildlife farmers in Vietnam: A warning for Southeast Asia
Wildlife farming is common in Vietnam, where people breed and trade wild animals for pets, food and traditional medicine.
In Vietnam, wildlife farming is a widespread practice involving the breeding and trading of wild animals for various purposes. There are approximately 6,744 farms housing 1.8 million animals from 371 species. While these farms provide livelihoods, they also facilitate close contact between humans and wild animals, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases spreading. A recent outbreak of the Andes hantavirus among 13 cruise ship passengers and the subsequent deaths underscore the potential danger of such exposure.
A 2025 study conducted in Lao Cai and Dong Nai provinces has found that 8.9% of 210 wildlife farmers had anti-hantavirus IgG antibodies, indicating past exposure, and 1.9% showed signs of active infection in the samples collected between August 2023 and March 2024. However, no hantavirus outbreaks were reported during this period.
Farmers who merely managed the farms faced the highest risk, even without direct contact with animals, suggesting that poor hygiene and inadequate protective equipment might be contributing factors. The study did not identify the exact source or variant of the virus, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance, improved hygiene practices, and the use of protective gear to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
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