The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation is intensifying its efforts to preserve and develop the nation’s livestock resources, recognizing their vital role in achieving food security for citizens.
According to recent figures, Egypt produces around 600,000 tons of red meat annually, while local consumption reaches nearly 1 million tons, creating a shortfall that requires importing about 400,000 tons each year.
As part of its strategy to protect livestock from epidemic diseases, the Ministry announced that the National Vaccination Campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease and Rift Valley Fever—launched last Saturday under the supervision of Minister Alaa Farouk and implemented by the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS)—has successfully vaccinated more than 421,000 animals across all governorates within just the first three days.
Dr. Hamed Al-Aqnas, head of the GOVS, stated that field vaccination teams are operating efficiently across the country in line with the minister’s directives to strengthen food security through preventive animal health measures.
He added that the authority has ensured the availability of high-quality locally produced vaccines, in addition to full technical and logistical support for veterinary directorates to guarantee that the campaign reaches all rural and remote communities, especially those most in need and border regions.
The campaign also includes intensive awareness programs in cooperation with local veterinary guidance departments to educate breeders about the importance of regular vaccination and the veterinarian’s role in protecting herds. The vaccination drive will continue until full national coverage is achieved.
Dr. Al-Aqnas further explained that prior to the campaign, veterinary surveillance missions were carried out in September across Egypt to assess animal health conditions. These field assessments covered 896 villages, 7,456 households, and 30 markets, examining tens of thousands of cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels as part of the national epidemic monitoring plan.
He stressed that the campaign is particularly important with the onset of winter and urged livestock owners to adhere to the vaccination schedule to boost animal immunity and prevent infections.
The GOVS also called on breeders to cooperate fully with veterinary teams, allow inspection and vaccination, and report any suspected cases or requests for vaccination via the hotline (19561), in support of national efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural development.
The Ministry revealed that a comprehensive livestock census was recently completed, showing approximately 8.6 million heads of cattle nationwide. White poultry production has also increased in 2025 to 1.6 billion birds, compared to 1.4 billion in 2024, reflecting continued growth in Egypt’s animal and poultry production sectors.
