Tanzania, Netherlands unite on initiative to combat poultry diseases 

TANZANIA – Tanzania and the Netherlands have recently launched an initiative to strengthen livestock trade and improve poultry health. 

Led by the Netherlands Embassy and Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the partnership aims to modernise disease control through knowledge exchange and advanced technology.

At the launch event, Professor Riziki Shemdoe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, emphasised the initiative’s transformative impact on poultry health and national food security. 

He noted that the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Authority (TVLA) will play a crucial role in implementing the project, which marks a milestone in bilateral cooperation.

The initiative prioritizes the adoption of cutting-edge laboratory diagnostics and technologies to enhance disease identification and management. 

Prof. Shemdoe highlighted that improved diagnostics will bolster poultry health and increase sector productivity, ultimately sustaining Tanzania’s growing poultry industry.

Recognizing poultry farming’s economic potential, Prof. Shemdoe underscored its role in creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people. 

He pointed to the government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, citing the 28.1 billion Tanzanian shilling national livestock vaccination campaign. 

This initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader National Livestock Vaccination Strategy (2024-2029), aimed at strengthening disease control and improving livestock productivity.

Encouraging youth participation in agribusiness, Prof. Shemdoe urged engagement in the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) program, which promotes sustainable employment through poultry farming and related ventures.

TVLA partners Royal GD

Ambassador Wiebe de Boer of the Kingdom of the Netherlands commended the collaboration, highlighting the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s financial support and TVLA’s partnership with Royal GD, a Dutch leader in animal health diagnostics. 

He lauded the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for its dedication but stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure the project’s long-term success.

Ambassador de Boer also highlighted Royal GD’s expertise, noting its capacity to conduct up to five million laboratory analyses annually for global clients. 

He emphasized the importance of reinforcing TVLA’s diagnostic capabilities and pointed to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the partnership as a key step in strengthening poultry health.

The ambassador further recalled a visit by two Dutch delegations in September, comprising representatives from 11 leading poultry companies. 

The visit facilitated specialized training and business-to-business engagements, fostering stronger ties between Tanzanian and Dutch poultry stakeholders.

Robert Molenaar, an expert from Royal GD, underscored the vital role of poultry in sustainable farming and social well-being. 

He noted that the Netherlands, the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter after the United States, has succeeded through extensive farming technology investment. This expertise, he added, can be leveraged to advance Tanzania’s poultry industry.

Dr Mfaume Simbah, a veterinary scientist and technical manager at Silverlands Tanzania, shed light on the challenges faced by smallholder poultry farmers. 

He noted that many farmers struggle with proper vaccine usage and water management during vaccinations. Additionally, the misuse of antimicrobials during vaccination periods complicates disease control efforts.

Dr Simbah stressed that smallholder poultry farming is essential for food security and rural livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, infectious diseases and gaps in vaccination knowledge remain significant obstacles. 

Through this initiative, Tanzanian farmers will access better diagnostic tools, targeted training, and improved disease management strategies, strengthening the poultry sector and enhancing domestic and international trade.

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