The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has in its bid to commemorate April as Animal Health month, intensified the provision of Primary Animal Health Care services among the Province’s farming communities.
Guided by the 2013 international theme for World Veterinary day which calls for vaccination of domestic animals, the Department’s Animal Health Technicians and State Veterinarians have since the beginning of this month, been vaccinating animals against various diseases, in most rural parts of the Province.
In working together with the North West University’s School of Agriculture in the Mahikeng campus, the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Department will until the end of this month, continue to provide general animal husbandry services such as dehorning, deworming, castration, animal identification or brand marking, animal handling and parasites control.
As explained by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Desbo Mohono, vaccines are very valuable tools to stop the spread of a large number of transmissible diseases that threaten the health and welfare of animals and human beings.
“What the Department has embarked upon is an attempt to contribute positively to the development of livestock farmers in the rural community, by improving the health and quality of our livestock”, said MEC Mohono who added that advises about livestock supplements that can be helpful to animals during this winter season, are also being provided as most animals are vulnerable to cold conditions.
Vaccination and general screening of animals is rendered free of charge. Some of the livestock farmers expressed their gratitude saying the gesture shown by the Department to render the service at their door step is commendable, as most farmers will take advantage of that.
MEC Mohono further encourages livestock farmers to keep tight contact with their local Animal Health Technicians, saying their services to farmers are critical to the broader programme of livestock improvement in the Province.
Whilst most rural areas have been serviced since the beginning of this month, the Primary Animal Health Care services will continue to be provided at various sites, with the last round of Ngaka Modiri Molema District activities being taken to Mmanawana on the 23rd of April, Ramatlabama on the 25th, and on May 7th at Uitkyk village. Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will see Animal Health Technicians visiting Maheng and Tlepeng villages in Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality on the 24th, while Dipodi, Kudunkgoane and Tlapeng livestock will be vaccinated on the 25th.
