January 4, 2023

 

Ethiopia embarks on livestock vaccine drive

 

 

A one-month animal vaccination campaign was rolled out in late 2022 in the pastoralist districts of Ethiopia's Southern region, with the aim of preventing the spread of livestock diseases.

 

In the South Omo zone, the vaccine was administered in five districts: Dassenech, Hamer, Gnangatom, Bena Tsemay and Salamago. Over 2.5 million cattle, sheep and goats in 16 districts throughout the region were vaccinated for Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Sheep and Goat Pox (SGP).

 

The immunisation campaign, which was organised by the regional agricultural bureau and financially supported by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and VSF Germany, has benefited a total of 25,111 pastoralist members, according to the region's Bureau of Agriculture.

 

"As we border countries like Kenya and South Sudan, there is the high likelihood of transmission of diseases across the borders," said Kalkidan Shimelis, head of the Animal Health Department at the region's Bureau of Agriculture. "Therefore, in addition to ensuring strong border control to minimise the movement of animals across the borders, livestock vaccination plays an important role in preventing outbreaks and minimising the damage caused by such animal diseases.

 

"Though our success will only be measurable in the coming seasons when we see the number of animals that do not become infected with seasonal diseases, we have completed the campaign successfully and accomplished our targets."

 

Shimelis added that because many in the pastoralist communities believe that animals should not be treated unless they are infected, community animal health workers have played an important role in this campaign.

 

"This campaign would not be successful without the service of these volunteers," he said. "In three months' time, we plan to roll out another vaccination campaign in these areas to further strengthen the immunity of our livestock.

 

"We procure the vaccines from the National Veterinary Institute (NVI) and distribute accordingly. We have also been aggressive in our immunisation drives because the drought, that has lasted over the last three years, causes disease outbreaks as well."

 

For Shimelis, an increased understanding of the benefits of immunisation of livestock is a positive.

 

"As animal disease cases have significantly dropped in (certain) areas, the pastoralist community have begun to recognise the relevance of vaccinations," he said. "We have seen great awareness improvement among the communities this year and it is really encouraging."

 

- Gavi