MAPUTO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has extended a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign until mid-July after delays in imported vaccine supplies, while stepping up efforts to revive domestic vaccine production amid growing concerns over animal disease outbreaks and food security.
Speaking at the opening of the National Animal Health Meeting in Maputo on Monday, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Roberto Albino said disruptions in international vaccine deliveries had prevented the campaign from being completed by the end of May as originally planned.
"Thus, the vaccination period is being extended until July 15, 2026, to ensure that no cattle are left unvaccinated because of the logistical delays we are facing," Albino said.
The minister noted that Mozambique is vaccinating 2.4 million cattle against anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease, one million against blackleg, and 1.3 million against lumpy skin disease. Additional campaigns targeting Newcastle disease in poultry and rabies are also underway.
According to Albino, the government and its development partners have mobilized about 600 million meticais (about 9.39 million U.S. dollars) to finance the bovine vaccination campaign.
Vaccine shortages affecting several African countries exposed the need for greater self-reliance in animal health systems, he said, adding that Mozambique plans to invest in reviving local vaccine production through the country's agricultural research institute.
The minister said that animal health is critical for economic growth, food security and public health, noting that the livestock subsector recorded an estimated growth rate of 4.5 percent.
Representing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Claudia Pereira reaffirmed the agency's support for Mozambique's efforts to strengthen veterinary services and disease prevention systems.
"Investing in animal health is simultaneously investing in economic development, food security and the well-being of populations," Pereira said.
The meeting, held under the theme "Strengthening Animal Health to Guarantee Public Health and Food Security," brought together government officials, veterinary professionals, researchers, development partners and livestock producers to discuss strategies for improving veterinary services, disease surveillance and biosafety systems. ■