District-Wide Livestock Vaccination Campaign Launched in Bajura

A historic, district-wide vaccination campaign to control various livestock diseases has been successfully implemented in Bajura, Nepal. The initiative, led by the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center in Bajura, has been active across all nine local administrative levels of the district since December 2082 BS. This program represents a significant milestone in regional animal husbandry, bringing essential services to remote areas.

Throughout the campaign, a total of 174,598 vaccine doses were administered to livestock. These vaccines target major threats, including cholera, lumpy skin disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Enterotoxemia (ET). According to the center’s chief, Siddharaj Jaishi, services were provided in every ward of all nine local levels, effectively bridging the gap for farmers in geographically difficult areas who previously struggled to access professional veterinary support.

To execute the campaign, the center mobilized 28 trained vaccinators and animal technicians. The distribution of vaccinations included 67,517 animals immunized against cholera—affecting cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep—as well as 3,496 cattle vaccinated against lumpy skin disease. Furthermore, 15,720 sheep and goats received protection against PPR, and 2,000 animals were treated for ET. These figures highlight the massive scale of the effort aimed at securing the district’s animal health.

Chief Siddharaj Jaishi noted that since the inception of the district-wide campaign, no outbreaks of these specific diseases have been recorded. He emphasized that the strategy of vaccinating before an infection occurs is vital for protecting farmers from catastrophic financial losses. Waiting for an outbreak often results in decreased milk and meat production, which severely impacts the livelihoods of rural agricultural communities.

Local resident Dal Bahadur Rawat expressed great relief, noting that the free, village-level vaccination services have transformed the lives of many farmers. Beyond the main vaccination drive, the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center provided treatment and consultations to 25,278 animals and birds over the last fiscal year. Additionally, the center successfully held four animal health camps in Badimalika, Gaumul, and Khaptad Chhededaha municipalities, further reinforcing their commitment to livestock welfare in the region.