In April, World Animal
Vaccination Day marked the contribution vaccines make in the control of
disease in animals. Currently, vaccines exist
against more than 100 animal diseases and around 30 human diseases. They have
saved the lives of millions of people and animals and they contribute to the need
to use less antibiotics while reducing the exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Next week (May 27th - 31st), VIVA is launching a new campaign – “Vaccinate for
Africa” – in conjunction with our partner organisations in Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) across Europe.
The concept is simple – for one week veterinary practices agree to donate a
percentage of their pet vaccination fees to VIVA to support our animal health
programmes. Clients may also contribute if they wish.
The funds raised support our animal health programmes in the
Developing World. For example, in Uganda we are training local farmers as
Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs or “Village Vets”). As well as providing
basic veterinary services to local farmers in their community they are also
participating in government-run vaccination campaigns. They carry out the
vaccinations of livestock against important local diseases such as Contagious
Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBP) and
Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCP) which cause large losses in local
cattle and goats.
For more information on the campaign or to register for participation contact Mike Burke on mike@viva.ie / 086 - 2568357 or Ciaran Gobl on 086 - 7015253
For more information on the campaign or to register for participation contact Mike Burke on mike@viva.ie / 086 - 2568357 or Ciaran Gobl on 086 - 7015253
Cattle being vaccinated by a CAHW |