Following the discovery last February of deaths attributable to anthrax, the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) launched an emergency response and is undertaking a mass vaccination campaign against the disease.

In the Grand'Anse department, the Grand'Anse Departmental Directorate of Agriculture (DDAGA), under the direction of Agronomist Ralph Wendy Despeines, has mobilized its veterinarians. They have been ready for several days to contain the threat, protect livestock farmers, and ensure food security.

The campaign began in Dame-Marie, where the first case of mortality was reported. More than 1,000 head of cattle, goats, and sheep have already been vaccinated in the Montagnac area. The Director of the DDAGA, who is closely overseeing the operations, stated that the campaign will continue and expand to several other communes affected by the disease, including Jérémie and Moron. The goal is to ensure the sustainability and productivity of the livestock.

To strengthen health surveillance and quickly identify any suspected outbreaks, screening operations were also conducted in the commune of Dame-Marie among goats and sheep. These additional actions aim to contain the spread of anthrax while ensuring precise epidemiological monitoring of the livestock.

Under the leadership of Minister Marcelin Aubourg, the Ministry conducted this vaccination campaign to combat animal diseases and contribute to livestock health. The objective is also to reduce the mortality rate of animals in the Grand'Anse department and to support the economies of households that depend on livestock farming.

During the vaccination days, many livestock farmers from the commune came to have their animals vaccinated. They were also made aware of the steps to take in the event of animal mortality due to anthrax. Veterinarians reiterated the importance of not selling or consuming the meat of dead animals in order to protect public health and prevent the spread of the disease.

IH/ iciHaiti