Health

Govt launches mass anthrax vaccination targeting 20,000 animals

The government's anthrax vaccination campaign targets 20,000 animals in Mpika, Shiwang'andu and Lavushimanda districts of Muchinga Province. Mpika has been identified as the epicentre of the outbreak.

By Cleopatra Mwamba Times of Zambia Published 20 September 2026, 14:04 CAT • 20 Sep 2026 1 min read

Government has launched a mass anthrax vaccination campaign targeting 20,000 domestic animals in three districts of Muchinga Province as authorities move to contain the outbreak.

The campaign is targeting animals in Mpika, Shiwang’andu and Lavushimanda, with Mpika identified as the epicentre of the outbreak.

Mpika District Commissioner David Siame said the prompt release of vaccines and resources demonstrated Government’s commitment to containing the disease, safeguarding lives and protecting gains made in the livestock sector.

Mr Siame said the outbreak posed a serious threat to the national target of increasing the cattle population to seven million and achieving US$1 billion in beef exports.

Provincial Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Dr Nasilele Kalonga assured residents that no domestic animals had so far been affected by anthrax.

Lakatips

Dr Kalonga said beef, pork, mutton and goat meat remained safe for consumption, while urging farmers in the targeted areas to make their animals available for vaccination.

She said the success of the campaign would depend on the cooperation of farmers in ensuring that livestock was presented for vaccination.

The vaccination campaign is part of Government’s measures to contain anthrax and protect the livestock sector from further losses.

Source: Times of Zambia — Read more

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