Farmers speak on use of private laboratories for provision of veterinary services, say move will aid livestock disease control

The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has hailed Cabinet’s approval of new regulations that will allow private laboratories to provide veterinary and public health services, a breakthrough farmers say will transform livestock disease control.

The Animal Health (Registration of Laboratories) Regulations, 2025, follow months of lobbying by ZNFU, including high-level engagement at State House on November 15, 2024.

The framework would enable private laboratories to be accredited by the regulatory authority, boosting capacity long strained by government facilities.

In a statement issued on Monday ZNFU president, Jervis Zimba, described the move as a milestone for livestock development.

“This decision will directly benefit livestock farmers, improve disease control, and safeguard national animal health. We commend Government for this bold step and stand ready to work with all stakeholders to strengthen veterinary services,” Zimba said.

He stressed that the development highlights the value of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in opening new markets and advancing the livestock sector.

However, Zimba cautioned that focus must now shift to implementation, pointing out that some Cabinet decisions—such as the removal of VAT on gensets—had not been carried through in the past.

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