The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has called on government to prioritize the early procurement and distribution of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccines to prevent delays in scheduled immunization programs.
VAZ President, Malcolm Chiyoba, acknowledged the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s commitment to disease control but noted that procurement delays have slowed the vaccination rate.
Dr. Chiyoba further urged government to strengthen local vaccine production capabilities, in line with its ongoing efforts to establish a domestic animal vaccine manufacturing industry.
He also emphasized the need to enhance disease surveillance and early detection systems to respond swiftly to new outbreaks and prevent re-emergence.
This, he said, should be complemented by increased support for farmers and veterinary professionals through awareness campaigns on disease prevention, quarantine measures, and reporting mechanisms.
“There is also a need to deploy more veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals while improving infrastructure through the construction and rehabilitation of camp houses, as they work with the government and other stakeholders to achieve a CBPP-free Zambia,” said Dr. Chiyoba.
Angel Kasabo
