The annual mass vaccination campaign for cattle and pets in Tsumkwe is nearing its end.
So far over 14,000 animals have been vaccinated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Speaking to NBC News, Veterinary Technician Petrus David said the aim of the campaign is to vaccinate and protect animals against diseases that farmers encounter in the area, as well as tag animals belonging to farmers in possession of a registered stock brand.

"The aim actually is to protect the animals or to give the vaccine against CBPP or any other diseases that farmers encounter, especially like Foot and Mouth Disease, Anthrax, and Lumpy Skin Disease, like the one we conducted in 2025."

David explained that they administer the foot and mouth disease vaccine to animals in Tsumkwe East.

"So, one would ask why maybe we are vaccinating against foot and mouth disease only in Tsumkwe East, I mean Tsumkwe West. It is because Tsumkwe East is close to Botswana, of which we know the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease, which was in Botswana as well. That's why we at least try to protect these animals, because they are more at risk compared to the other side, which is a bit far from the border."

David commended the farmers for turning up in large numbers and bringing their cattle for vaccination.
He, however, cited concerns over a lack of branding and ear tags on some cattle in Tsumkwe East.

David says branded animals are easy to track and make disease control easier. David urges farmers to apply for stock brands and link them with the Veterinary Office in Tsumkwe or in Grootfontein.

He also says they are finding it difficult to vaccinate pets like dogs against rabies because their owners, he says, do not bring them for vaccination. According to him, some dogs are difficult to catch, as they lack the materials to catch them.
The campaign that started on the 03rd of August will be ending on the 11th of September.