The Ministry of Agriculture discussed the vaccination plan against brucellosis and started to distribute vaccines to veterinary directorates.

Ramallah: September 1, 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture, during a meeting chaired by Minister of Agriculture Professor Riziq Slaimiya, and attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Technical Sector, the Director General of Veterinary Services, directors of technical departments within the General Directorate of Veterinary Services, and directors of veterinary departments in the governorates, discussed the Ministry's plan to implement a vaccination campaign against brucellosis (Malta fever). This initiative is part of the Ministry's efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect livestock and public health.

The Ministry confirms that it has begun distributing vaccines to the veterinary directorates in the governorates, in preparation for implementing the first phase of the campaign. This phase targets lambs aged 2-6 months, in addition to non-pregnant ewes. A comprehensive sheep vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin in early 2027, according to the Ministry's approved plan.

The Ministry clarifies that pregnant sheep will be excluded from the current vaccination campaign due to the potential negative effects on the ewes and their lambs. They will be vaccinated during the second phase, beginning in 2027.

In this context, the Ministry urges all livestock breeders to cooperate with veterinary teams and to clearly disclose any pregnant ewes before the vaccination process. Breeders will be required to sign a declaration accepting responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided and for any consequences arising from failure to disclose information about pregnant animals.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of breeders' cooperation and adherence to the instructions of the veterinary staff, as this is essential for the campaign's success and the achievement of its objectives in controlling brucellosis and mitigating its impact on livestock and public health.