Department of Animal Health

Support control of animal diseases and vectors for improved food security and household income.

key functions and outputs

Formulate, review and implement policies, legislation, regulations, standards, plans and strategies for controlling the spread of animal diseases and vectors countrywide;
Investigate animal diseases and vector outbreaks in the field and in laboratories;
Control animal diseases and vectors;
Monitor outbreaks and prevalence of animal diseases and vectors in the country including neighboring countries;
Conduct surveillance and prompt collection, collation and dissemination of epidemiological data;
Advise MAAIF and LGs on disease and vector control strategies;
Establish and operationalize collaborative mechanisms with national, regional and international research and other related organizations on animal disease and vector control matters;
Manage the provision and monitor availability and use of major animal disease vaccines and drugs.

Policies, plans and strategies for controlling the spread of animal diseases and vectors countrywide formulated, reviewed and implemented
Animal diseases and vector outbreaks investigated in the field and laboratories
Animal diseases and vectors controlled
Outbreaks and prevalence of animal diseases and vectors in the country including neighboring countries monitored
Epidemiological data promptly collected, collated and disseminated
MAAIF and LGs advised on animal disease and vector control strategies to be used
Mechanisms for collaboration with research and other organizations nationally, regionally and internationally on animal disease and vector control matters established and operationalized
Provision and availability and use of major animal disease vaccines and drugs supported and monitored.

The department is headed by a Commissioner and has the following three divisions each headed by an Assistant Commissioner:-

Animal Disease Control Division

Functions

Review, update, formulate and implement policies, plans and strategies for controlling animal diseases
Control animal diseases
Monitor outbreaks and prevalence of animal diseases countrywide with a view to controlling them
Advise LG and the MAAIF on animal disease control strategy
Collaborate with research and other organizations nationally, regionally, internationally on control of animal diseases
Support the provision and monitor availability and use of major animal diseases, vaccines and drugs.

Veterinary Diagnostics and Epidemiology Division

Functions

Review, update, formulate and implement policies, plans and strategies for veterinary diagnostics and epidemiology
Conduct and disseminate information on field and laboratory investigations of animal diseases and vector outbreaks
Monitor outbreaks and prevalence of animal diseases and vectors in the country including neighboring countries
Conduct surveillance and prompt collection, collation and dissemination of epidemiological data
Map out disease occurrence and prevalence in the country
Collaborate with research and other organizations nationally, regionally and internationally on diagnosis and surveillance for animal diseases and vectors.

Veterinary Regulation and Enforcement Division

Functions

Formulate, review and implement veterinary legislation, regulations and standards
Develop strategies and plans for enforcement of national veterinary legislation, regulations and standards
Create effective awareness in the population on veterinary legislation, regulations and standards
Support the identification, development and use of strategic animal quarantine infrastructure in the country
Put in place and enforce systems for identification and traceability for animals and animal products related to animal health, veterinary public health, quality and safety of animal products
Conduct animal health and veterinary public health risk analysis for import/export and internal animal/animal products movements in the country
Inspect and certify animal and animal products for exports, import and for local markets
Promote and regulate veterinary professional practice, animal trade and welfare
Collaborate with national, regional and international organisations on veterinary legislative and enforcement issues.