Mauritania Launches National Animal Vaccination Campaign

The Mauritanian government has initiated a nationwide animal vaccination campaign, targeting 10 million sheep and goats against the small ruminant plague and 3.5 million cattle against a contagious respiratory disease. The campaign, led by Minister of Animal Development Ahmed Ould Chein, aims to safeguard the country's substantial livestock population, which numbers around 30 million heads, according to 2024 statistics.

The vaccination drive, organized under the slogan "Yes to protecting our animal wealth," will be carried out by 66 veterinary teams deployed across the country's various regions. In addition to vaccination, the campaign includes an awareness and monitoring effort to ensure the success of the initiative. Minister Ould Chein emphasized the significance of the livestock sector, which contributes approximately 10% to the country's GDP and 68% to the rural economy.

The livestock sector provides employment opportunities for over 60% of the rural population, making it a vital component of Mauritania's economy. To guarantee the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign, the minister urged farmers to cooperate with veterinary teams and adhere to their guidelines. He also stressed the importance of identifying vaccinated animals to monitor the vaccination process.

The launch event took place in the village of Chinguitt, located in the Boulaidida commune of the Aleg district. Several high-ranking officials attended the ceremony, including the Wali of the Brakna region, Mohamed Ahmed Menei, and the governor of the Aleg district. The campaign has garnered support from local leaders, who recognize the importance of protecting the country's animal wealth.

The Brakna region's president, Mustafa Ould Mohamed Mahmoud, praised the efforts of the Animal Development sector in supporting farmers and safeguarding livestock against diseases. He called for enhanced interventions to assist farmers, particularly in light of reduced rainfall. Other attendees, including the mayor of Boulaidida and the deputy head of the National Union of Farmers, also commended the campaign's significance.

The vaccination campaign is a crucial step towards preserving Mauritania's livestock sector, which faces significant challenges due to climate change and disease outbreaks. By protecting the country's animal wealth, the government aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector and the livelihoods of those dependent on it.

The campaign's success will depend on the cooperation of farmers, veterinary teams, and local authorities. With the support of all stakeholders, Mauritania's government is confident that the vaccination drive will effectively safeguard the country's livestock population and contribute to the nation's economic growth.

Key points

• The campaign targets 10 million sheep and goats against the small ruminant plague and 3.5 million cattle against a contagious respiratory disease.