NETHERLANDS intends to assist the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Authority (TVLA) tackle critical animal health challenges.

Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, the Livestock and Fisheries permanent secretary, explained at the launch of this initiative in Dar es Salaam yesterday that it related to a poultry disease diagnosis project.

The main sphere of the project is to enhance disease control across the country by capacity building, knowledge exchange and technological innovation.

He said the partnership was a milestone for efforts to strengthen poultry disease control to safeguard food security, highlighting that this initiative will accelerate efforts to combat poultry diseases, improve laboratory diagnostics and introduce new technologies for sustainable animal health.

“In addition to disease control, the project will focus on knowledge exchange and investment in modern technologies, particularly in sample collection and analysis,” he stated.

Stressing the importance of poultry farming for economic growth and employment particularly for the youth, he said that these efforts are related to the national livestock vaccination campaign, for which 28.1bn/- has been allocated.

Controlling poultry diseases can boost domestic and regional trade in livestock and related products, he said, affirming that the project forms part of the National Livestock Vaccination Strategy (2024-2029) being rolled out in phases.

He urged the youth to engage in the ‘Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiative for Agribusiness’ (BBT-YIA), which promotes youth involvement in commercial agriculture, including poultry.

Wiebe de Boer, the resident Dutch envoy, praised this initiative funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

He praised ministerial and TVLA for efforts to support poultry sector development even as much work lies ahead, noting that the Royal GD Animal Health will be of immense help.

With its expertise in animal health diagnostics, it conducts over five million lab analyses annually across the world, he said, underlining that effective disease management is vital for the sustainability of the poultry sector.

This partnership will enhance TVLA’s capacity to provide accurate and rapid disease diagnoses, he said, projecting that future collaboration could further strengthen poultry health initiatives.

A Dutch delegation of 11 poultry companies had explored ways to offer specialised training in the field and take up business opportunities.

Robert Molenaar, a team member at Royal GD, affirmed that the Netherlands is the second-largest global exporter of animal products due to its investment in agricultural technology.

Dr Mfaume Simbah, a veterinarian and technical manager at Silverlands (T), said many poultry farmers lack knowledge on the proper use of vaccines.

Vital issues include water quality and quantity during vaccination, as well as misuse of antimicrobials as it can compromise vaccine efficacy, he stated.

While smallholder poultry production is crucial for food security and rural livelihoods, infectious diseases and a lack of proper knowledge were hindering progress in the sector, he added.