ADAFSA Commemorates World Veterinary Day with Comprehensive Vaccination Campaign

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) celebrated World Veterinary Day 2026 on April 25, focusing on the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.” This event underscores the vital role of veterinary experts in safeguarding both animal and public health.

ADAFSA highlighted the collaborative efforts of veterinarians, technicians, livestock breeders, and the broader community in delivering outstanding veterinary services that promote animal welfare, food safety, and public health.

ADAFSA's veterinary teams are diligently working around the clock, offering medical assistance and conducting awareness programs for breeders to manage livestock effectively in varying weather conditions. These initiatives aim to improve disease prevention and animal welfare throughout the emirate.

As part of its ongoing activities, ADAFSA continues its 16th Annual Animal Disease and Vaccination Awareness Campaign (2025–2026). Running until the end of April, this campaign aims to vaccinate roughly 2.4 million sheep, goats, and cattle among a total livestock population exceeding 3.25 million in Abu Dhabi.

The vaccination effort targets significant diseases such as Peste des Petits Ruminants, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia, with specialized field teams working closely with livestock breeders across various regions.

In addition to vaccination, ADAFSA has introduced comprehensive awareness campaigns to enhance biosecurity measures. Livestock owners are encouraged to isolate newly purchased or sick animals, promptly report any unusual symptoms or deaths via the toll-free number 800555, and maintain cleanliness by regularly disinfecting animal enclosures and equipment.

Moreover, the Authority emphasized the importance of sourcing animals and feed from licensed suppliers, adhering to proper waste disposal methods, and implementing guidance to prevent zoonotic diseases, including maintaining hygiene protocols for farmworkers and avoiding unapproved slaughter practices.

ADAFSA emphasized the expanded role of veterinarians, who contribute significantly to the “One Health” concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health.

The Authority continues to invest in veterinary knowledge through training programs, scientific research, and state-of-the-art laboratories, including those focused on camel diseases and coronaviruses.

ADAFSA invites the community to acknowledge the crucial work of veterinary professionals and encourages students to consider careers in veterinary medicine, recognizing its increasing significance in food security and sustainable development.

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