Govt tasks Veterinary Camp Assistants to lead fight against animal diseases

Government has called on Veterinary Camp Assistants to take a leading role in the fight against animal diseases by strengthening disease surveillance and timely reporting of suspected cases at community level.

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary, Dr. Max Choombe, said Veterinary Camp Assistants were government’s first line of defence against animal diseases and served as its “eyes on the ground.”

Choombe said this in Choma when he addressed Veterinary Camp Assistants drawn from selected districts in Southern Province, according to a statement issued by the Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama.

He urged the officers to be proactive in identifying disease outbreaks, conducting routine surveillance, and submitting timely reports to enable swift government intervention.

“We believe in you, and that is why you were recruited. The fight against animal diseases starts with you. If we are active in our respective roles, we will win the fight against diseases that threaten our national cattle population,” Choombe said.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the operational challenges faced by Veterinary Camp Assistants but stressed that such challenges should not deter them from executing their responsibilities diligently.

Read More: Veterinary association urges ban on caged wild animals at public shows

He reminded the officers that the incursion of the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Namwala District demonstrated the critical importance of early disease detection and rapid reporting from the grassroots.

Choombe further urged Veterinary Camp Assistants to intensify community sensitisation on the dangers of illegal livestock movements, which remain one of the major drivers of animal disease transmission.

“Work closely with livestock farmers, traditional leaders, and local communities to promote compliance with disease control measures and strengthen early warning systems,” he said.

Choombe reaffirmed government’s confidence in Veterinary Camp Assistants, describing them as indispensable partners in protecting the country’s livestock resources, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, and supporting Zambia’s livestock production and beef export agenda.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.