The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, through its General Organization for Veterinary Services, has continued its national campaign to immunize livestock against foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever. Launched in late August, the campaign has administered a total of 6,840,857 doses across various governorates. This effort aims to protect Egypt's livestock and support the country's food security.
The campaign was initiated in response to directives from Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk to intensify disease prevention efforts and expand vaccination coverage. By immunizing livestock, the government seeks to safeguard the nation's animal wealth and maintain production levels. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance disease control and mitigate the economic impact of outbreaks.
According to Dr. Hamad Al-Aqnass, head of the General Organization for Veterinary Services, the vaccinations have covered 4,071,199 head of cattle against foot-and-mouth disease and 2,769,658 against Rift Valley fever. The organization has deployed veterinary teams across all governorates to conduct the vaccinations, alongside efforts to track and monitor disease outbreaks.
The veterinary teams are working in conjunction with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and disease prevention. By engaging with farmers and livestock owners, the authorities aim to encourage cooperation and ensure the campaign's success. The government has made vaccines and technical support available to facilitate the immunization process.
The Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized its commitment to continuing the national campaign across various governorates, closely monitoring the epidemiological situation. Farmers are urged to collaborate with veterinary teams and adhere to regular vaccination programs, reporting any suspected cases promptly through designated channels.
The campaign's progress is being closely monitored, with a focus on reaching remote and border areas where livestock are more vulnerable to disease outbreaks. By prioritizing these regions, the authorities aim to ensure equitable access to vaccination services and protect the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.
The Egyptian government has reiterated its dedication to protecting the country's livestock and supporting farmers through comprehensive disease control measures. The ongoing vaccination campaign is a key component of this strategy, contributing to the nation's efforts to achieve food security and maintain a healthy agricultural sector.
Key points
- Over 6.8 million doses of vaccine have been administered to livestock across Egypt.
- The campaign aims to protect livestock against foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever.
- The government has deployed veterinary teams nationwide to conduct vaccinations and monitor disease outbreaks.
