In a proactive move to safeguard the poultry industry, the Rwandese government has launched a vaccination program for chicks at hatcheries. This initiative aims to prevent the spread of deadly diseases that have had a significant negative impact on poultry production within the country.
According to Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, diseases can rapidly spread and cause mortality rates of up to 100% within the first few days. The introduction of hatchery vaccinations is expected to increase poultry meat production from 40,184 tonnes to 46,464 tonnes by 2024.
Poultry farmer Clarisse Manishimwe from the Musanze district expressed the urgent need for hatchery vaccinations, as farmers have been incurring substantial losses due to diseases. Without hatchery vaccinations, farmers were burdened with high treatment costs for sick chicks.
By implementing vaccinations at the hatchery level, healthier chicks can be supplied to poultry farmers, benefiting both the farmers and the industry as a whole. This proactive measure aims to ensure the overall health and productivity of the poultry population in Rwanda.
Rwanda is one of nine countries benefiting from the vaccination initiative under the US$4 million “Prevent Project” funded by Ceva Santé Animale, a French enterprise. The project will enable farmers to vaccinate poultry only once at the hatchery, reducing the previous requirement of four vaccinations.
Remy Twagirimana, the coordinator of the “Prevent Project,” highlighted that early vaccination will provide immediate benefits to the chicks and the entire flock. In addition to vaccination, the project aims to enhance hatchery standards and install vaccination machines to further improve the program’s efficacy.
The vaccination program will initially be implemented in five hatcheries across Rwanda, representing a significant step forward in protecting the nation’s poultry industry and ensuring sustainable growth.
Rwanda has been implementing various interventions to bolster poultry production since 2019, with the aim of tripling poultry production within a five-year period. One such initiative is the partnership for a resilient and inclusive small livestock markets program, which supports small-scale poultry production and covers various aspects of the poultry value chain, from primary production to the handling of poultry meat.
In a positive development, Uzima Chicken Ltd, one of the largest chick-producing firms in Rwanda, inaugurated the export of day-old chicks to different African countries last year. This export expansion signifies the country’s commitment to boosting the poultry sector.
The Rwandan Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) welcomes this progress, as it aligns with their ongoing efforts to enhance and promote the poultry industry in Rwanda. Through initiatives like the vaccination program and export opportunities, Rwanda is making significant strides towards achieving its poultry production goals while ensuring the overall health and sustainability of the sector.
Stay updated with the latest farming tips and agriculture industry news from Africa by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and updates. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to join our farming community and stay connected with us.
