National Vaccination Campaign: Kasserine Aims for 80% Coverage
As part of the national vaccination campaign, the Animal Production Department within the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in Kasserine has set a clear objective for 2026: to achieve an 80% vaccination coverage of the regional livestock against infectious diseases. This represents the treatment of over 450,000 small ruminants and the entirety of the cattle population. This large-scale initiative aims primarily to preserve the animal heritage while consolidating the pillars of national food security.
Enhanced and Innovative Sanitary Strategy
Lotfi Sayahi, head of the Animal Production Department in Kasserine, emphasizes that the importance of this campaign is amplified by the increasing risk of epidemics. The program is particularly rigorous, targeting foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and bluetongue in small ruminants, while cattle are protected against contagious nodular dermatitis. A major innovation marks this edition: the introduction, for the first time in Tunisia, of vaccination against sheep and goat plague. This strategic choice follows the appearance of infectious outbreaks in recent years, particularly in border areas, making it imperative to strengthen the prevention system.
Large-Scale Logistical and Human Deployment
In addition to classical animal diseases, the campaign continues the fight against rabies through vaccination reminders, thus extending the efforts begun in late 2025 to protect both animals and humans. To carry out this mission on the ground, the Kasserine governorate mobilizes 17 private veterinarians and 10 mobile teams directly attached to the Animal Production Department. This solid logistics should enable the surpassing of the previous year's results, where over 10,000 cattle had been vaccinated in the region.
Towards Better Coordination with Breeders
Emphasis is also placed on awareness and local organization to avoid past mistakes. Mr. Sayahi urges breeders to collaborate closely with medical teams and to strictly respect established schedules. This cooperation is crucial for the success of the vaccination campaign and the overall health of the regional livestock. By working together, the Animal Production Department and local breeders can ensure a safer and more secure food supply for the region.
