(AWEIL NORTH COUNTY) – Authorities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal have launched a move to vaccinate more than 1,500 head of cattle in response to rising reports of animal deaths linked to preventable diseases.
The Director General of the State Ministry of Animal Resources and Veterinary Services, Samuel Ajing Uguak, said the vaccination exercise will begin this week in targeted areas across three counties. The rollout will start in Mayom Angok in Aweil North County before extending to Aweil East and Aweil West.
Ajing said the service will be provided at no cost. He urged cattle owners to ensure their animals are ready when teams arrive and asked herders to remain in place while the campaign is underway. He said the ministry wants households to respond quickly so that all animals at risk are covered.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is expected to help transport the vaccines to the counties. Community-based teams will then move from one household to another to administer the doses.
The campaign comes at a time when the livestock sector remains central to livelihoods in South Sudan. An estimated 70 percent of the population depends on animals for food, income, and trade. Sales of milk and meat allow families to buy essentials and support small businesses. Cattle are often used as collateral and remain a key part of local economies.
However, the sector continues to face major challenges. Poor access to veterinary care, outbreaks of contagious diseases and shifting weather patterns have damaged herds across several regions. Drought, flooding and conflict have further slowed recovery for many rural households.
Officials believe that expanding preventative care is essential to avoid larger losses. Healthy animals help households maintain income and reduce reliance on emergency aid. They also provide a buffer during periods of economic uncertainty.
No cash outlay is expected from cattle owners for the upcoming vaccination.
Ajing appealed to communities to cooperate fully with veterinary workers to ensure that the doses are used efficiently. He said the ministry will consider extending the campaign if further reports of disease emerge.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Aweil North County, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State |
| Authority In Charge | Ministry of Animal Resources and Veterinary Services |
| Official Quoted | Samuel Ajing Uguak, Director General |
| Vaccination Target | Over 1,500 head of cattle |
| Counties Covered | Aweil North, Aweil East, Aweil West |
| Start Point | Mayom Angok, Aweil North County |
| Cost to Owners | Free of charge |
| Support Agency | UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Implementation Method | Community vaccinators moving household to household |
| Reason for Campaign | Rising reports of cattle deaths from disease |
| Livestock Importance | Supports 70% of South Sudan population through food and income |
| Key Message to Herders | Keep cattle ready and remain in place during rollout |
| Wider Context | Threats from disease, limited vet care, conflict, drought and climate stress |
