Tanzania Launches Nationwide Livestock Vaccination Drive to Combat 13 Diseases and Unlock Global Markets

The Tanzanian government is set to launch a comprehensive nationwide livestock vaccination campaign next month, targeting 13 endemic animal diseases in a strategic move to improve animal health, boost productivity, and open doors to lucrative international markets.

The campaign, announced by Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries , will officially kick off in early June under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan . It marks a major step forward in Tanzania’s efforts to professionalize its livestock sector and meet global sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.

Speaking during the opening of a national training programme for veterinary service providers and trainers in Dar es Salaam, Prof. Shemdoe outlined that the initial phase will focus on immunizing animals against three priority diseases: Newcastle disease in poultry, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in goats and sheep, and East Coast fever in cattle .

“This campaign is not just about protecting livestock—it’s about transforming livelihoods,” said Prof. Shemdoe. “By improving animal health, we are positioning our farmers to access high-value export markets, including China, which imports 54 million tonnes of meat annually.”

The initiative aims to vaccinate 19 million cattle, 17 million goats and sheep, and 40 million chickens nationwide. To ensure traceability and compliance with international standards, vaccinated animals will be tagged with official identification ear tags , replacing outdated branding methods.

Prof. Shemdoe emphasized that building a robust animal health system requires strong field response capacity. “We must have well-trained first responders who can act swiftly when outbreaks occur. That’s why upgrading skills and tools for our veterinary personnel is central to this campaign,” he added.

In line with this goal, the government has launched a two-year capacity-building initiative—EDIVETS (Education for Veterinary Officers) —to modernize veterinary training and enhance frontline service delivery across all local government authorities.

Dr. Pius Mwambene, Chief Executive Officer of the Livestock Training Agency (LITA), noted that EDIVETS is part of a regional effort being implemented in Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi , with technical support from international partners.

“The programme introduces globally aligned veterinary practices and equips trainers with up-to-date knowledge and tools,” Dr. Mwambene explained. “Some of our top trainers will undergo advanced training in Hungary, Slovakia, and Belgium to bring back best practices in animal health management.”

These interventions form a core component of the government’s broader strategy to professionalize veterinary services, strengthen disease control systems, and position Tanzania as a competitive player in the global livestock market .

With improved animal health, enhanced traceability, and better-trained personnel, Tanzania is laying the groundwork to significantly expand its livestock exports and deliver sustainable economic benefits to millions of rural households.