In the context of globalisation and digital transformation in higher education, enhancing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) skills among students in agricultural sciences, particularly in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, has become increasingly essential. However, the absence of specialised and contextually relevant learning tools poses a significant barrier to accessing international academic resources. This paper presents the development process, technical features, and application potential of the Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (ASVM) Dictionary, a bilingual digital glossary designed and implemented by a research team at Can Tho University. With over 10,000 English–Vietnamese terms, including pronunciation, illustrative images, and real-time search functionality, the ASVM Dictionary not only facilitates accurate terminology acquisition but also promotes self-directed learning and digital engagement. Results indicate that there were more than 80,000 website visits and 2,000 app downloads, reflecting high practical interest and adoption. The paper also compares the ASVM Dictionary with traditional reference materials, analyses its integration into current ESP curricula, and proposes future development directions, such as incorporating artificial intelligence and expanding interdisciplinary applications.

African swine fever (ASF) continues to pose a major threat to pig production in Vietnam, highlighting the critical role of farm-level biosecurity. This study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity status of large-scale commercial pig fattening farms in Central Vietnam using a standardised digital assessment tool. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on five commercial pig farms (≥300 livestock units) using the Food & Agriculture Organisation’s framework based PigHealth Security-X software, which comprises 165 questions grouped into eight biosecurity vectors. Biosecurity performance was quantified on a scale from 0 to 100%. Overall, all surveyed farms were classified as having an excellent level of biosecurity, with a mean score of 91.3%. Nevertheless, three vectors showed comparatively lower scores: Good husbandry practices (83.4%), transportation (85.0%), and structural location (85.6%). Major non-compliant indicators included high stocking density, frequent entry of external vehicles, insufficient vehicle disinfection time, and the absence of off-site disinfection facilities. These findings indicated that despite high overall biosecurity scores, specific operational weaknesses that may increase the risk of pathogen introduction and spread remained. Regular biosecurity assessments using digital tools such as PigHealth Security-X can support farm managers in identifying critical control points and implementing targeted improvements to strengthen disease prevention and control in commercial pig production systems.

Poultry coccidiosis remains a major parasitic disease causing significant economic losses worldwide. Although previous studies have reported its occurrence in Vietnam, there is a lack of region-specific epidemiological and clinicopathological data under distinct agro-ecological and production conditions in Thai Nguyen Province. This study determined the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinicopathological alterations of coccidiosis in chickens in this region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to December 2024 in six communes of Phu Binh District, with 300 faecal samples examined using the flotation technique for Eimeria oocysts. Infection intensity was semi-quantitatively assessed, while clinical signs, gross lesions (n = 75), and haematological parameters (10 infected vs. 10 healthy chickens) were evaluated. Prevalence differences were analysed using the Chi-square test, and haematological parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence was 49.00%, with significantly higher rates in chickens aged 1-3 months (67.05%) and in free-range systems (86.90%). Seasonal variation showed higher prevalence in summer (63.04%) and spring (53.57%) compared to winter (33.82%). Infected chickens exhibited diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, lethargy, and anorexia. Haematological analysis revealed reduced red blood cell counts and haemoglobin levels, alongside increased white blood cell counts, heterophils, and eosinophils (P < 0.05). Gross lesions included haemorrhagic enteritis, intestinal ballooning, and mucosal thickening. These findings highlight the high prevalence of coccidiosis in Thai Nguyen Province and provide region-specific evidence to support targeted control strategies and improved biosecurity measures.

This study describes the clinical characteristics, paraclinical findings, ultrasonographic features, and treatment outcomes of canine renal diseases at Ho Chi Minh and Dong Nai Provincial network of Pet Health Centre Veterinary Hospitals from November 2024 to June 2025. Among 219 dogs presenting with suspected renal disease, 183 dogs were diagnosed, accounting for 83.56% of cases. Acute kidney disease was identified in 53.42% (117/219) of dogs, while chronic kidney disease accounted for 30.14% (66/219). Common clinical signs in acute and chronic cases included anorexia/lethargy (81.28%), vomiting/diarrhea (60.54%), oliguria or urinary retention (100%), and polyuria/polydipsia (100%). Haematological analysis revealed leukocytosis in 46.45%, anemia in 61.75%, and thrombocytopenia in 48.09% of affected dogs. Biochemical abnormalities showed elevated creatinine in 77.60% and increased blood urea nitrogen in 65.57% of cases. Urinalysis demonstrated proteinuria (82%), leukocyturia (64%), and hematuria (54%). Renal ultrasonography performed in 83 dogs revealed nephritis/pyelonephritis (39.76%), hydronephrosis (25.30%), and small kidneys (22.89%). The prevalence of renal disease was significantly higher in exotic breeds (91.06%), male dogs (93.08%), kennel-raised dogs (98.78%), and dogs fed commercial dry diets (91.49%). Treatment outcomes showed a recovery rate of 41.03% in acute kidney disease, while no complete recovery was observed in chronic kidney disease; mortality rates were 42.74% and 25.76%, respectively. These findings indicate that most dogs were diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early detection and routine renal monitoring in veterinary clinical practice.

Chigger mites (Trombiculidae) are important ectoparasites of poultry, particularly under free-range production systems, where environmental exposure increases the risk of infestation. This study aimed to identify chigger mite species and investigate the epidemiological characteristics of infestation in free-range chickens raised by household farmers in Cao Bang Province, northern Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 856 chickens of different ages and sexes across four communes/wards in the province. Chigger specimens were collected, morphologically identified, and analysed for prevalence in relation to age, sex, and season. Two chigger mite species, Eutrombicula whichmanni and Neoschoengastia gallinarum, were identified. Both species mainly parasitized the flank and inner thigh skin and were detected in all surveyed locations with a frequency of 100%. The overall prevalence of infestation was 40.65% and increased significantly with chicken age (P < 0.05). Seasonal variation was evident, with the highest prevalence recorded in summer (51.94%), followed by spring (45.71%), autumn (33.94%), and winter (31.96%). Although infestation was more common in hens than in roosters, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings highlight the widespread occurrence of chigger mites in free-range chickens in Cao Bang Province and emphasize the need for targeted surveillance and seasonally adapted control strategies to support sustainable poultry production.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic indicators, and treatment outcomes of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs in Vietnam at Procare Veterinary Hospital. From October 2024 to October 2025, a total of 3,840 dogs presenting with respiratory signs or undergoing health screening were examined. Dogs suspected of cardiac disease were further evaluated using thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) quantification. A total of 232/3,840 dogs (6.04%) were suspected of cardiac disease, of which 84 dogs (36.21%) were confirmed to have MMVD, accounting for 2.19% of all examined dogs. The most common clinical signs were dyspnea/pulmonary edema and cough, with increasing frequency from stage B1 to C. Cardiac murmur intensity increased with disease progression, with most dogs in stages B2 and C having murmurs ≥ grade III/VI. Echocardiographic variables of left-sided volume overload, including vertebral heart size (VHS), left atrium to aorta ratio (LA/Ao), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd), and systole (LVIDs), increased significantly across stages (p < 0.001), whereas fractional shortening showed no significant change (p = 0.575). NT-proBNP concentrations increased from 500 pg/mL (B1) to 953.8 ± 294.0 pg/mL (B2) and 2,131.8 ± 354.4 pg/mL (C). Treatment outcomes were favourable in stage B2 (98.18%) but markedly lower in stage C (43.48%). These findings highlight the importance of combined clinical, imaging, and biomarker evaluation for accurate staging, early detection, and improved management of MMVD in dogs

Dong Tao and Ri chickens are indigenous Vietnamese breeds that differ markedly in morphology and productive performance. This study evaluated morphological traits, reproductive performance, egg quality, and hatchability of Ri, Dong Tao, and their reciprocal F₁ crossbred hens in order to assess genetic effects and crossbreeding potential. A total of 53 laying hens were raised under identical management conditions. Body weight and shank traits were measured at 24 weeks of age, while egg traits were monitored over a 19-24-week laying period. Dong Tao hens exhibited significantly greater body weight and shank dimensions (P<0.05), but showed delayed sexual maturity and lower egg production compared to Ri hens. In contrast, Ri hens reached sexual maturity earlier and achieved a higher laying rate and hatchability. Reciprocal F₁ hens displayed predominantly intermediate morphological and egg quality traits, indicating strong additive genetic effects, while showing improved reproductive performance relative to Dong Tao hens. Partial heterosis was observed for age at first egg and egg production, with limited reciprocal effects. Overall, reciprocal crossbreeding between Ri and Dong Tao chickens mitigated the trade-off between body size and reproductive efficiency while maintaining acceptable egg quality and hatchability, thus supporting the sustainable utilisation of indigenous chicken genetic resources.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common myocardial disease in cats and can progress to congestive heart failure. This study was conducted at Procare Veterinary Hospital from December 2024 to December 2025 to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic indices, and treatment outcomes of HCM in cats. Among 2,195 cats presented for examination, 167 cases (7.61%) were suspected of having heart disease; 30 cats (17.96%) were definitively diagnosed with HCM by echocardiography. HCM was most frequently observed in British Shorthair cats (66.66%), followed by mixed-breed cats (20.00%); sex was not an independent risk factor. Cats younger than 6 years accounted for 83.33%, and those weighing under 5 kg accounted for 73.33% (p < 0.01). Clinically, tachycardia and/or a gallop rhythm was the most common finding (34.67%), whereas cardiac murmurs were less frequent (8.00%); gallop rhythm represented 80.00% of all cardiac auscultation abnormalities. Echocardiographic parameters showed that interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) and the left atrium-to-aorta ratio (LA/Ao) increased significantly with disease stage, with LA/Ao reaching 2.55 in stage C. Vertebral heart score (VHS) gradually increased from 8.06 ± 0.15 in stage B1 to 9.83 ± 0.47 in stage C. Treatment outcomes were highly favorable in early stages (100% in B1; 94.44% in B2) but poor in the heart failure stage (16.67% in stage C), highlighting the importance of early screening by echocardiography to improve the prognosis of feline HCM. This study concludes that treatment is most effective when the disease is detected in the early or pre–heart failure stages, supplements scientific data on feline cardiovascular disease, supports early screening and the development of appropriate follow-up strategies in clinical veterinary practice in Vietnam. Based on the study findings, a key recommendation for future application by clinicians dealing with this condition in their practices is that echocardiography is essential for definitive diagnosis of HCM because clinical signs and cardiac auscultation findings have limited diagnostic specificity.

This study characterised mitochondrial genetic diversity in Vietnamese Ven dogs using a 582-bp fragment of the HV1 region from 21 individuals. A total of 32 polymorphic sites was identified, and sequence variation resolved 14 haplotypes assigned to three major haplogroups (A, B, and C). Haplogroup A was predominant, while haplotype C2 was the most frequent (19.06%). One novel haplotype (Cn) was detected at low frequency (4.67%). Genetic diversity indices indicate substantial maternal variation within the sampled population (Hd = 0.943; Pi = 0.01524), consistent with patterns reported in other Vietnamese and Southeast Asian village dogs. The haplotype network further supports the coexistence of both closely related and moderately divergent maternal lineages, although demographic inference remains limited by sample size. Overall, the findings suggest that Ven dogs represent a phenotypically defined subset embedded within a diverse regional gene pool rather than a distinct maternal lineage. This study provides a baseline HV1 dataset for Ven dogs and highlights the need for expanded sampling and genome-wide analyses to better resolve population structure, evolutionary history, and implications for conservation and breeding strategies.