The government announced the vaccination of approximately 2.4 million cattle against foot-and-mouth disease, with the aim of preventing diseases that could compromise livestock production levels and productivity in the country, Lusa reported.
“Among various measures, the government is implementing this national animal vaccination campaign, which calls for the vaccination of approximately 2.4 million cattle,” stated Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries Momade Juízo during the launch of the initiative in the district of Magude, Maputo Province.
According to Momade Juízo, the campaign also includes the vaccination of 2.4 million cattle against anthrax, one million against symptomatic anthrax, 1.3 million against nodular dermatosis, and 20,000 against Rift Valley fever.
The minister noted that the Magude district will receive greater coverage because it is one of the country’s main livestock-raising areas. “In the Magude district, the vaccination of more than 111,000 cattle is planned as part of this campaign,” Momade Juízo stated.
In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries noted that the government is determined to prevent the occurrence of animal diseases, particularly in cattle, thereby avoiding negative impacts on production and the national economy.
The document adds that, over the course of the year, plans are also in place to vaccinate more than 44 million chickens in the backyard poultry sector against Newcastle disease, as well as to immunize more than 300,000 dogs and cats against rabies.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries, this strategy reinforces the role of the livestock sector as one of the pillars of the national economy, making a significant contribution to food and nutritional security, income generation, and job creation, particularly for young people and women.
However, data released on April 14 indicate that outbreaks of animal diseases increased by 63% in 2025, totaling 542 cases and resulting in the death of approximately 24,929 cattle. “With regard to animal health, 542 outbreaks of animal diseases were reported during 2025, compared to 332 in the same period of 2024,” said Council of Ministers spokesperson Salim Valá.
