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Iringa. The authorities have initiated a countrywide effort to vaccinate and tag livestock for the years 2025 through 2029, with the Iringa Region aiming to cover more than 400,000 animals.

They consist of 400,000 cows, 20,000 goats and sheep, and 1.5 million chickens within the initiative.

The Zonal Veterinary Officer and Director of the Southern Highlands Livestock Disease Investigation Centre (ZVC–Iringa), under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Jeremiah Choga, stated that the initiative, which began in June this year, is designed to manage animal diseases and boost efficiency within the industry.

“As you might know, the livestock industry deals with various diseases. The government, via the ministry, has set aside money for vaccinating animals against different illnesses,” he stated.

“this five-year initiative, set to conclude in 2029, started with the vaccination of cattle against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (cbpp), while in different regions, goats, sheep, and chickens are also receiving vaccinations,” said dr choga.

He mentioned that the government has set aside Sh216 billion for carrying out the campaign, which also involves marking animals with identification collars to prevent theft and improve data handling in the industry.

“The advantages of this initiative involve creating precise data on livestock numbers, decreasing the occurrence of diseases, enhancing animal health, and increasing efficiency within the livestock sector,” he stated.

In Mafinga Township, local officials have already inoculated over 8,000 cattle, accounting for 88 percent of the goal, as part of initiatives to eliminate animal diseases.

The Veterinary Officer from Mafinga Town Council, Dr. Aldonis Ulimboka, stated that most of the 10,000 cattle selected for the program have already received vaccinations and been registered through the updated livestock identification system.

Farmers in the area have praised the government’s initiatives, noting that the program will enhance animal health and output.

“This initiative aims to decrease animal fatalities and boost efficiency. We appreciate the government for providing free vaccinations, which will raise farmers’ earnings and improve our quality of life,” stated a livestock farmer from Changarawe Ward, Gwamaka Mwakang’ata.

Another farmer, Mr. Michael Nyalusi from the Ngome community, stated that the initiative has already decreased the prevalence of diseases that had previously affected herders in the region.

“The circumstances have significantly improved. Previously, we lost numerous animals due to avoidable illnesses, but this initiative has provided genuine support to farmers,” he stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).