July 14, 2020

Tanzania begins national campaign to vaccinate livestock against 13 diseases

Tanzania has embarked on nationwide vaccination campaign to combat 13 major livestock diseases, according to a statement by the country's Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

The campaign was launched in Mkalama district in Singida region and tackles 13 diseases including foot and mouth disease, rabies and rift valley fever, said the statement.

"Vaccination is the best way of protecting livestock from these diseases. Vaccination also helps in prevention of infection of diseases from animals to human beings," said Hezron Nonga, the director of the ministry's veterinary services.

He said Tanzania has about 33.4 million cattle, 21.29 million goats and 5.65 million sheep.

Nonga said the livestock sector in 2019 grew by 5% and contributed 7.4% to the gross domestic product.

- Xinhua