Tanzania Launches Major Livestock Vaccination Drive to Protect 300,000 Animals

Tanzania has kicked off a large-scale livestock vaccination and identification campaign in Kigoma Region, setting an ambitious goal to protect over 300,000 animals from deadly diseases.

Source: Daily News

In a show of high-level support, Kigoma Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simoni Siro joined veterinary teams in Uvinza District, where the first round of vaccinations saw 800 cattle and 100 chickens treated. Addressing livestock keepers at the event, Ambassador Siro made a passionate call for full community participation, stressing that widespread respiratory diseases in cattle can be brought under control—but only if livestock owners take the lead.

“This campaign is not just about animal health—it’s about securing livelihoods, food safety, and Tanzania’s place in the regional and global livestock market,” he said.

The initiative includes a livestock identification system, which will allow the government to track vaccinated animals and collect data essential for national planning and boosting exports. Ambassador Siro underscored the importance of this data in positioning Tanzanian livestock products for international trade.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Pius Mwambene, the CEO of the Livestock Training Agency (LITA) confirmed that the campaign is off to a strong start. He noted that the nationwide effort targets four major livestock diseases: contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), lumpy skin disease, sheep and goat pox, and avian influenza in chickens.

Officials say the campaign is a vital step toward building a healthier, more resilient livestock sector—one that can feed the nation and compete on the global stage.