Over 1 025 063 cattle have been vaccinated against anthrax, a major boost to livestock protection and public health ahead of a high risk summer season.
The milestone comes as part of the government’s early warning–early action strategy for the 2026–2027 summer, when an anticipated El Niño is expected to raise the threat of anthrax outbreaks.
With drought forecasts looming, the risk increases as animals graze closer to the ground and are more likely to ingest anthrax spores.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development ministry chief sirector of veterinary services, Pious Makaya. said the campaign first targeted 24 known hotspot districts across the country.
“Vaccinating cattle before the high-risk season significantly reduces livestock losses and protects farming communities,” Makaya said.
Anthrax is a deadly zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium whose spores can survive in soil for decades.
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It affects cattle, goats, sheep, wildlife and humans.
People can contract it through contact with infected animals or by handling and consuming contaminated meat or animal products.
The disease often strikes without warning.
“Early detection and immediate reporting remain one of the most effective disease control strategies,” Makaya noted.
Prompt reporting allows veterinary teams to quarantine areas, safely dispose of carcasses, vaccinate animals at risk, and prevent further spread.
Livestock owners are warned never to open carcasses of animals suspected to have died from anthrax.
Exposure to oxygen allows the bacteria to form spores that can contaminate the environment for years.
Makaya urged all livestock owners to vaccinate animals in high-risk areas, report sudden deaths to the nearest veterinary office, never slaughter suspected anthrax cases, and avoid buying or consuming meat from animals that died of unknown causes.
He said the veterinary department remains on high alert nationwide.
“Surpassing one million vaccinated cattle reflects the government’s commitment to building resilient livestock production systems in the face of climatic challenges while protecting food security, rural livelihoods and public health,” Makaya said.