Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is observing World Veterinary Day, held this year on Saturday, 25 April 2026, under the theme 'Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.' This global occasion underscores the vital, integrated efforts of veterinarians, technicians, and livestock breeders, as well as the wider community, in delivering high-quality veterinary services that ensure animal health, food safety, and the protection of public health.
According to Emirates News Agency, ADAFSA affirmed that its veterinarians continue to intensify their efforts across all conditions, implementing field awareness programmes for breeders on best practices for managing animal wealth during weather fluctuations. The Authority also highlighted the constant readiness of its field teams, which operate around the clock to provide essential medical support and ensure the continuity of veterinary services at all times.
The participation of ADAFSA in this global event reflects its commitment to recognising the dedication of its veterinary staff, who serve as a leading example of teamwork in protecting animal wealth and food safety. Within this framework, ADAFSA continues its 16th Annual Animal Disease and Vaccination Awareness Campaign (2025-2026).
Running until the end of April, the campaign targets the vaccination of approximately 2.4 million sheep, goats, and cattle against key diseases such as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), out of a total livestock population in the Emirate of 3,259,480 heads. This national effort is executed by specialised field teams in close coordination with breeders across all regions of Abu Dhabi.
In parallel with its field vaccination efforts, ADAFSA has also launched intensive awareness campaigns this month to promote biosecurity practices and disease prevention among livestock owners. These campaigns emphasise the importance of isolating newly acquired or symptomatic animals, as well as promptly reporting clinical signs or abnormal mortalities to the Authority via the toll-free number 800555.
The awareness efforts further stress the need for regular cleaning and disinfection of pens and equipment, maintaining healthy environments for animals, and sourcing livestock and fodder from licensed and reliable suppliers.
The campaigns also include targeted guidance on the prevention of zoonotic diseases, highlighting the importance of personal hygiene for farmworkers, safe disposal of waste and carcasses, and avoiding slaughter outside approved abattoirs. These initiatives are designed to empower livestock breeders to become the first line of defence and active members of the national team for safeguarding animal wealth and public health.
ADAFSA reaffirmed that its sustained implementation of biosecurity measures, along with its vaccination and awareness campaigns, plays a crucial role in enhancing the control of animal diseases, reducing their spread, and supporting the food security system.
The Authority noted that this year's World Veterinary Day theme reflects the real-world contributions of its veterinary teams, who lead and implement preventive and awareness campaigns-such as the annual vaccination campaign and current outreach initiatives-alongside veterinary inspection activities that ensure animal health, food safety, and public health protection.
ADAFSA maintains that the veterinary role has evolved beyond simple treatment; it is now a fundamental pillar of the "One Health" approach, which links the health of humans, animals, and the environment, making the veterinarian a key partner in community protection.
Furthermore, the Authority continues to invest in the professional development of its staff through internal and external training, participation in scientific conferences, and the publication of research. This is supported by the establishment of accredited reference laboratories, including the Camel Disease Centre and specialised facilities for coronaviruses.
ADAFSA invites the community to mark this occasion by acknowledging the vital role played by the entire veterinary team in protecting life and the environment. the Authority also encourages students to enrol in veterinary medicine specialisations, given the sector's pivotal role in driving sustainable development and safeguarding the nation's health and food security.
