Protect livestock in Darfur - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has begun distributing the first batch of more than a million vaccines across Sudan's strife-torn Darfur region, in a bid to protect livestock and other animals from deadly diseases during the current rainy season.

A UN statement, Sunday stated that, 'enough vaccines to immunize 1.2 million animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys and camels will be handed out in Darfur’s three states over the next two months, thanks to the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).'

It said the vaccines include treatments against haemorrhagic septicaemia, anthrax, sheep pox and black quarter.

Stating: “Livestock comprises a greater part of the livelihoods of many people in Darfur, so the impact of this is huge for them,' it noted that, 'pastoralists, herders and nomadic communities all stand to benefit from the programme.'

The statement disclosed that FAO has procured the vaccines, which are then airlifted from the national capital, Khartoum, to Darfur, by the joint UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The first batch was flown out on Friday.'

FAO also said it was working with NGOs and officials from the ministries of animal resources in the various Darfur states to train local veterinarians and ensure the vaccines are adequately distributed and administered.

'Major animal vaccine campaigns often take place twice a year during the normally arid Darfur region, with one during the current rainy season, when many animals are more susceptible,' the agency stated.

Oriano Micaletti, the head of UNAMID’s humanitarian protection strategy coordination division, said about 800 kilograms of vaccines will eventually be airlifted under this campaign.

'The vaccines have to be kept at optimum temperatures during their transport to ensure they arrive in good condition,' Micaletti said, adding that the outpouring of thanks which UNAMID has received since the campaign started was an indication of the importance of livestock to the economic health of many local communities in Darfur.

Pana 29/08/2011