Burunga : after months of losses, cattle vaccination finally launched

SOS Médias Burundi

Bururi, July 26, 2026—After several months marked by the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease and significant livestock losses, the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock organized a cattle vaccination campaign in Burunga Province, in southern Burundi. The operation, conducted from July 20 to 24, 2026, aimed to contain the epizootic that has severely affected livestock farmers in this part of the country.

The campaign targeted cattle aged three months and older. Veterinary teams prioritized intervention in areas with high livestock concentrations, particularly in the former districts of Mugamba, Matana, Bururi, and Songa, as well as in other localities within Burunga province.

According to the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, nearly 166,000 cattle were at risk from the foot-and-mouth disease. Authorities hoped to vaccinate approximately 100,000 cows during this campaign.

Since April, the foot-and-mouth disease had spread to several localities in Burunga province, causing the deaths of numerous cows and resulting in significant economic losses for livestock farmers. In response to this situation, samples were taken from infected animals to precisely identify the source of the outbreak. The analyses confirmed the presence of the foot-and-mouth disease, leading authorities to organize this vaccination campaign.

At the height of the crisis, several livestock farmers denounced the silence of the relevant authorities while their herds continued to suffer the effects of the disease. Veterinary services indicated that the matter was being processed at the ministry level, pending the results of the analyses.

Following this campaign, the farmers say they are relieved and hope it will help curb the spread of the disease and preserve their main source of income. However, they are calling on the authorities to strengthen the long-term health monitoring of livestock, guarantee the availability of vaccines, and intervene quickly in the event of new outbreaks.

The foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, particularly cattle. It can lead to significant economic losses due to decreased production, livestock depreciation, and the costs associated with control measures.