On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the South Departmental Directorate of Agriculture (DDAS) launched a major animal vaccination campaign against anthrax in the commune of Les Cayes. The initiative kicked off in the 3rd communal section of Laborde, led by the DDAS veterinary service in close collaboration with the Resilient Agriculture for Food Security Project (PARSA).

According to Dr. Atenord Oreus, this vaccination campaign—which is free and open to all livestock farmers—will extend to every commune in the department. Initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, the campaign aims to protect livestock against anthrax, a formidable disease that decimates herds and poses a threat to both food security and public health.

From the very start of the launch event in the locality of Kafou Tiboul, livestock farmers turned out in large numbers to have their animals vaccinated. Veterinary teams mobilized for the campaign treated various animal species; farmers brought cattle, goats, and sheep to receive the vaccine.

In his remarks, Dr. Aténord Oreus educated farmers on the importance of vaccination for preventing animal diseases and protecting livestock. He placed particular emphasis on the need for regular animal health care, highlighting the impact that animal diseases can have on herd health as well as on the income and livelihoods of families dependent on livestock farming.

He also outlined the operation's primary objectives regarding vaccination coverage. According to the data provided, the DDAS plans to vaccinate over 100,000 head of livestock during this campaign. This goal reflects the scale of the planned intervention and the DDAS's commitment to strengthening disease prevention and improving livestock protection in the affected municipalities.

However, in his remarks, Dr. Oreus also warned livestock owners against consuming meat from animals that had died from suspected or confirmed cases of anthrax. He urged them to exercise the utmost caution and to report any suspected cases to veterinary services. According to him, the sudden death of an animal is a warning sign requiring a rapid response from qualified personnel.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Camille Joseph—the PARSA Animal Production Assistant for the Grand Sud region—called on livestock owners to be extra vigilant regarding diseases that could decimate their herds. He specifically urged them not to consume meat from animals showing signs of illness or found dead under suspicious circumstances, in order to safeguard public health. Furthermore, he described the campaign as a form of support from the Ministry of Agriculture for livestock owners and the animal production sector. He encouraged producers to organize themselves and better articulate their needs, thereby fostering the regular implementation of prevention and vaccination initiatives.

In Dr. Joseph’s view, the fight against anthrax cannot rely on one-off interventions. It requires the ongoing mobilization of livestock owners, veterinary services, and relevant institutions to strengthen prevention, protect herds, and safeguard the livelihoods of families dependent on livestock farming.

The beneficiary livestock owners welcomed the campaign with satisfaction.

HL/ HaitiLibre