Milenge Farmers Raise Alarm Over Scarce Livestock Vaccines

Livestock farmers in Milenge District are raising concerns over the limited supply and access to essential animal vaccines, which they say is threatening the well-being of their herds.

Local farmer Misheck Chirwa shared his frustration after losing a bull to a fast-spreading skin condition, which he believes could have been avoided with timely vaccination.

“Flies bite the animals, causing painful sores. The disease spreads quickly, and I couldn’t get vaccines in time,” he explained.

Another farmer, Paul Kunda, noted that the ongoing shortage has left him with no choice but to keep his animals enclosed to minimize the risk of infection.

In response, the Department of Fisheries and Livestock acknowledged the difficulties faced by farmers and assured that efforts are underway to improve the distribution of vaccines.

District Coordinator Joseph Kafula added that farmer groups are being encouraged to adopt collective purchasing models to make veterinary medicines more accessible and affordable.