The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced that in 2024 and 2025, more than 9 million livestock in Afghanistan have been vaccinated against the disease “Peste des Petits Ruminants” (PPR). This action is part of a broader effort to control and contain the disease in the country.
On Sunday, April 2nd, FAO emphasized in a message that the fight against the disease has reached a stage where Afghanistan is close to eradicating it. According to the organization, this achievement is the result of coordinated programs and preventive actions in the livestock sector.
According to FAO, Peste des Petits Ruminants has been a serious threat to livestock and the livelihoods of rural communities in recent years. This viral disease primarily affects sheep and goats, causing significant economic losses for farmers.
The organization added that the implementation of a widespread vaccination program has played a key role in protecting the income sources and food security of rural families. Reducing livestock losses can help improve the economic conditions of communities dependent on animal husbandry.
FAO also warned that if the disease were to spread widely, up to 70% of livestock could be affected. Therefore, continued preventive and monitoring actions are deemed essential to prevent the return of the disease.
This comes at a time when farmers in Afghanistan have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including drought. Such conditions have further highlighted the importance of supporting the livestock sector and controlling animal diseases.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
