FAO Vaccinates Over 9 Million Livestock in Afghanistan Against Small Ruminant Plague

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced that over nine million head of livestock have been vaccinated against the “Small Ruminant Plague” disease in Afghanistan during 2024 and 2025. The organization states that with the implementation of this program, Afghanistan has reached a stage close to eradicating this disease.

On Sunday, May 3, FAO emphasized in a statement that this disease had posed a serious threat to livestock and the livelihoods of rural residents in previous years. According to the organization, outbreaks of Small Ruminant Plague in Afghanistan could affect up to 70 percent of animals.

FAO officials added that the widespread vaccination of livestock has helped protect the income and food resources of thousands of rural families. Livestock farming in many provinces of the country is one of the main pillars of family economies, and reducing livestock losses can play a significant role in stabilizing their livelihoods.

Small Ruminant Plague is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects goats and sheep and, if left uncontrolled, causes extensive economic damage to the livestock sector.