“Prevention”: Launching a comprehensive national program to fortify livestock and protect food

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaa) announced the launch of a livestock in the Kingdom, a major national initiative aimed at enhancing animal health, reducing the spread of infectious and epidemic diseases, supporting food security, and ensuring the sustainability of livestock production in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The Center explained that the vaccination program comes in response to the growing need to protect livestock from diseases , given the pivotal role of vaccination in boosting immunity and reducing the risk of animal disease outbreaks. This, in turn, directly impacts productivity and reduces economic losses resulting from epidemics.
The program aims to reduce reliance on antibiotics and emergency measures, as well as curb the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, it plays a role in protecting public health by preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Improving the efficiency of immunization

The Prevention Center explained that the program is based on an integrated system of activities aimed at improving immunization efficiency and enhancing health security. This includes identifying targeted vaccines according to the epidemiological priorities of each region, adopting a mandatory vaccination list for the Kingdom, and localizing the veterinary vaccine industry to achieve self-sufficiency.
The program also includes ensuring an efficient supply chain for the storage, transportation, and preservation of vaccines according to the highest standards, in addition to rigorous monitoring of immunization operations and measuring their effectiveness in the field.
Prevention is also working to establish comprehensive databases covering all stages of the supply chain, while implementing strict systems to control the performance of suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, distributors, and service providers, thus ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and quality in the field of prevention.
The center emphasized that these measures are part of a comprehensive national system aimed at raising the level of preparedness and reducing the risks of epidemics.

Target animal groups

The program divides the target groups into four main categories, determined according to their vital importance and role in food and economic security. The first category includes food-producing animals such as cattle, sheep, camels, and poultry, as they are the cornerstone of supporting national food security.
The second category includes equines and domestic animals such as cats and dogs, given their importance in protecting public health and preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
The third category includes wild animals within reserves, breeding centers, and zoos, with the aim of preserving wildlife and biodiversity and promoting its sustainability.
The fourth category extends to imported livestock and birds, whose importation is subject to rigorous vaccination procedures to ensure they are disease-free before entering the Kingdom, thus preserving the health of the local livestock population.

Beneficiary segments

The Prevention Center explained that the program's beneficiary segments are determined based on criteria related to the degree of epidemiological risk and the importance of production facilities. The segments are divided into two main categories.
The supported segment includes breeders in rural holdings with fewer than 500 sheep and goats or fewer than 50 cattle or camels, in addition to holdings located in high-risk areas as identified by the center's periodic analyses.
The unsupported segment includes small-scale breeders who do not meet the criteria of the first category, along with commercial livestock production projects, as well as breeders of horses, pets, and rural poultry. These breeders receive vaccination services through service providers licensed by the center.
Prevention Center also noted that the program allows the center to implement emergency vaccinations when needed, based on risk assessments and plans to reduce the spread of animal epidemics.

Immunization program

The center noted that the vaccination program is a pivotal element in maintaining animal health and ensuring stable livestock production. Its success depends on adherence to official schedules and implementation according to national and international standards.
The program includes two main types of vaccination: routine vaccination to reduce seasonal infections and minimize the risk of disease introduction from other regions, and emergency vaccination, a measure used when a high risk of infection or the emergence of a new disease is detected.

Immunization axes and general procedures

The program is based on three main pillars that form the scientific basis for vaccination operations. These begin with selecting the appropriate vaccination strategy according to the epidemiological situation in each region, followed by identifying the suitable vaccine and establishing a precise mechanism for its implementation, and culminating in assessing the level of immunity acquired after vaccination to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
The Weqaa Center emphasized that the program relies on a set of general procedures that constitute a fundamental framework for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of vaccination operations. For example, vaccinated animals are prohibited from being moved or stressed for 14 days after vaccination to ensure their bodies respond as required and to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination.
The center conducts annual serological surveys to measure the levels of acquired immunity in herds, in addition to raising awareness among livestock owners about the importance of adhering to vaccination schedules and regular follow-up. Any side effects can be reported via the toll-free number 8002470000 as part of the health monitoring system.

Vaccination of imported poultry and birds

Regarding poultry vaccination, the center emphasized the need to adhere to strict procedures to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. Key among these is proper storage away from unsuitable temperatures and direct sunlight, and strict adherence to approved dosages and schedules to avoid weakened immune responses. The
center also stressed the importance of using chlorine- and heavy metal-free water during vaccination, verifying vaccine expiration dates before use, and avoiding vaccination in harsh environmental conditions or when birds are suffering from other diseases, as this directly impacts vaccine efficacy.
The center further emphasized the necessity of using sterile equipment and monitoring the immune response through laboratory tests or field observation to prevent the spread of diseases resulting from a weakened immune response.
As for imported animals and birds, the center clarified that vaccination is a mandatory requirement before allowing their entry into the Kingdom. If they have not received the necessary vaccinations in their country of origin, they must be vaccinated immediately upon arrival according to approved regulations.
Dairy and livestock/sheep fattening projects are required to vaccinate their herds to ensure the continuity of their production activities, while importers are obligated to comply with the approved vaccination requirements specified in the health certificates.
The center also stressed the need to vaccinate imported horses participating in local events and festivals with the equine influenza vaccine, in order to preserve their safety and the safety of the local horses participating.