More than 1 million cattle vaccinated in NCAs
More than 1.28 million cattle have been vaccinated during a critical animal health vaccination campaign across Namibia's northern communal areas (NCAs).
This campaign was carried out with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which provided support to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) within the agriculture ministry.
The vaccination drive targeted common and potentially devastating animal health diseases affecting Namibian livestock, the FAO said, including contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and anthrax, among others.
“This initiative, bolstered by FAO's support, represents a significant stride towards a healthier livestock sector in Namibia,” the statement issued by FAO said.
Eugene Kunguatjivi, FAO national project coordinator, said the campaign is vital for safeguarding Namibia's livestock population and protecting farmers' livelihoods.
Crucial support
The FAO said its support was delivered through a project titled 'Emergency Technical Support to Control the Spread of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Namibia'.
FAO provided critical resources to enhance DVS's capacity to reach remote areas and effectively implement the campaign.
This includes, among others, the provision of a vehicle to improve DVS's mobility, vaccination and camping equipment to guarantee efficient and safe vaccine administration for livestock and ear tags essential for animal identification and data collection through the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAMLITS), a crucial tool for disease surveillance and control.
FAO said its officials visited Musu in the Nkurenkuru constituency in the Kavango West Region earlier this year, where they witnessed first-hand the vaccination of livestock brought by farmers from Musu and surrounding areas.
“The vaccination in Musu, a rural area, exemplified the campaign's extensive reach across all NCAs above the veterinary cordon fence.”
'Peace of mind'
The organisation said the vaccination campaign prioritises protecting livestock in the NCAs, a vital source of income, food security and livelihoods for many Namibian communities.
Farmers like Hausiku Hamatuvi from Musu noted the importance of this initiative, saying that vaccinating his cattle gives him peace of mind.
“Losing livestock to disease is a hardship I wouldn't want to experience again. This campaign is a lifesaver for farmers like me."
The FAO said the campaign's success relies heavily on collaboration between FAO and DVS. Dr Paul Set, a state veterinarian at DVS, echoed this sentiment and said the generous support from FAO, particularly the vehicle and vaccination equipment, has significantly boosted their capacity to reach more farmers and animals in remote areas.
“This collaborative vaccination campaign is essential for controlling major diseases and strengthening Namibia's animal health system."
This campaign was carried out with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which provided support to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) within the agriculture ministry.
The vaccination drive targeted common and potentially devastating animal health diseases affecting Namibian livestock, the FAO said, including contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and anthrax, among others.
“This initiative, bolstered by FAO's support, represents a significant stride towards a healthier livestock sector in Namibia,” the statement issued by FAO said.
Eugene Kunguatjivi, FAO national project coordinator, said the campaign is vital for safeguarding Namibia's livestock population and protecting farmers' livelihoods.
Crucial support
The FAO said its support was delivered through a project titled 'Emergency Technical Support to Control the Spread of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Namibia'.
FAO provided critical resources to enhance DVS's capacity to reach remote areas and effectively implement the campaign.
This includes, among others, the provision of a vehicle to improve DVS's mobility, vaccination and camping equipment to guarantee efficient and safe vaccine administration for livestock and ear tags essential for animal identification and data collection through the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAMLITS), a crucial tool for disease surveillance and control.
FAO said its officials visited Musu in the Nkurenkuru constituency in the Kavango West Region earlier this year, where they witnessed first-hand the vaccination of livestock brought by farmers from Musu and surrounding areas.
“The vaccination in Musu, a rural area, exemplified the campaign's extensive reach across all NCAs above the veterinary cordon fence.”
'Peace of mind'
The organisation said the vaccination campaign prioritises protecting livestock in the NCAs, a vital source of income, food security and livelihoods for many Namibian communities.
Farmers like Hausiku Hamatuvi from Musu noted the importance of this initiative, saying that vaccinating his cattle gives him peace of mind.
“Losing livestock to disease is a hardship I wouldn't want to experience again. This campaign is a lifesaver for farmers like me."
The FAO said the campaign's success relies heavily on collaboration between FAO and DVS. Dr Paul Set, a state veterinarian at DVS, echoed this sentiment and said the generous support from FAO, particularly the vehicle and vaccination equipment, has significantly boosted their capacity to reach more farmers and animals in remote areas.
“This collaborative vaccination campaign is essential for controlling major diseases and strengthening Namibia's animal health system."
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