Mauritania's Minister of Animal Development, Ahmeditt Ould Chein, recently launched a national campaign to vaccinate 10 million sheep against the small ruminant plague and 3.5 million cattle against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. The campaign was launched in the village of Chinguitt, which is part of the Bouladid commune in the Aleg district. This effort aims to protect the country's livestock, which plays a crucial role in the national economy.
According to Minister Ould Chein, the 2024 census showed that Mauritania has approximately 30 million heads of livestock of various species. The animal development sector contributes around 10% to the country's GDP and up to 68% to the rural economy. Additionally, the sector provides employment opportunities for over 60% of the rural workforce. These statistics highlight the significance of the livestock industry in Mauritania.
To ensure the success of the vaccination campaign, the Ministry of Animal Development has deployed 66 veterinary teams across the country's different regions. The ministry is also conducting an awareness and monitoring campaign in collaboration with stakeholders in the field. Minister Ould Chein emphasized the importance of identifying vaccinated animals to track the vaccination process and sustain efforts to combat the disease.
Minister Ould Chein called on livestock owners to cooperate with veterinary teams and adhere to the provided guidelines. He expressed gratitude to technical and financial partners, particularly the World Bank, for their support in funding the campaign. The minister's efforts aim to protect the country's livestock and promote the well-being of rural communities.
The launch event was attended by several officials, including the President of the Brakna region, Mustafa Ould Mohamed Mahmoud. He commended the efforts of the Animal Development sector in supporting and assisting livestock owners, emphasizing that preserving the country's livestock is a collective responsibility.
Other attendees at the launch event included the Mayor of Bouladid commune, Ahmed Ould Abeidi Ould El Moouloud, and the Deputy President of the National Union of Livestock Owners, Mohamedou Ould Ahmedou. They acknowledged the importance of the vaccination campaign in protecting the country's livestock and promoting the livelihoods of rural communities.
The national campaign to vaccinate 10 million sheep and 3.5 million cattle is a significant effort to safeguard Mauritania's livestock industry. The campaign's success will depend on the cooperation of livestock owners, veterinary teams, and other stakeholders. By protecting the country's livestock, the government aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve the well-being of rural communities.
Key points
- The vaccination campaign aims to protect 10 million sheep and 3.5 million cattle against diseases.
