Intensive efforts to protect livestock in the Kingdom
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food security, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa') continues its exceptional efforts in conducting surveillance and investigations of epidemic animal diseases across the Kingdom. These steps are part of a comprehensive system aimed primarily at enhancing animal health and protecting national resources, which are a cornerstone of the local economy.
General context and importance of food security within Vision 2030
Historically, livestock has been an integral part of the Kingdom's cultural and economic identity. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, there has been a growing focus on developing the agricultural and livestock sectors to ensure self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports. Transboundary and endemic animal diseases are among the biggest challenges facing this sector, making proactive monitoring a critical necessity, not merely a routine procedure. Controlling these diseases contributes to stabilizing meat and dairy prices and protects breeders and farmers from significant economic losses.
Detailed field monitoring for 2025
The Weqaa Center explained that these intensive efforts aim to enhance the effectiveness of preventive programs and strengthen comprehensive control over animal diseases. In addition, the center is working to develop early warning and rapid response capabilities for any epidemic emergency that may threaten public health. The center indicated that during 2025, it conducted more than 5,078 field visits dedicated to epidemiological investigation, covering approximately 15,817 strategic locations across the Kingdom. These figures clearly reflect the expansion of surveillance and the strengthening of early epidemic detection mechanisms.
Expected impact: locally, regionally, and internationally
Domestically, these operations contribute to raising the level of field preparedness and enabling specialized veterinary teams to respond immediately to any emerging developments, thus limiting the spread of diseases and maintaining the stability of the sector. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's commitment to implementing the highest animal health standards reinforces its position as a leading country in combating epidemics and aligns with the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Furthermore, protecting livestock in Saudi Arabia, which receives millions of pilgrims annually and imports and exports livestock, serves as a safeguard against the cross-border transmission of diseases.
Sustainability of the agricultural and livestock sector
The center's surveillance programs emphasized the importance of conducting accurate field monitoring and ongoing periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of immunization and vaccination campaigns. This scientific approach ensures precise implementation and enhances the efficiency of preventive interventions. In conclusion, the "Wiqa" Center stresses its commitment to continuously developing monitoring and follow-up programs to support livestock protection, strengthen the comprehensive food security system, and align with the development and sustainability goals of the agricultural and livestock sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
