New Veterinary Clinics Bring Joy to Livestock and Animal Growers

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

The Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), has established 15 veterinary clinics nationwide to help farmers get animal healthcare near their households.

Odile Umuhire, a veterinary specialist at the Bikara cell clinic in Nkosi Sector, Musanze District says the facility is a milestone towards eradicating animal diseases in the area.

These modern facilities are fully equipped to conduct comprehensive tests and accurately diagnose sick animals, facilitating prompt treatment interventions.

Umuhire elaborated on the significant investment, stating, “Each clinic received a substantial funding allocation of 510,396,226 Rwandan francs, as part of the infrastructure development initiative under the PRISM project led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) in collaboration with IFAD. This project aims to bolster livestock development and production from 2021 to 2026.”

Highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis, Umuhire emphasized that citizens often resorted to treating animals solely based on observable symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and financial losses.

“With the availability of laboratory testing facilities at the new clinics, farmers can now precisely identify diseases before administering treatment,” she said.

Moreover, Umuhire stressed the necessity for citizens to conduct thorough tests before administering medication.

“Citizens must ensure animals undergo diagnostic tests to determine the specific ailment before treatment,” she added.

“Despite the advantages offered by the clinics, challenges persist, such as the elevated cost of animal medications, particularly for diseases like ‘IKIBAGARIRA’ in cows.” Umuhire noted.

Jean Claude Iragaba, a pig farmer from Nkosi, shared his positive experience with the nearby clinic’s veterinary services.

“After seeking treatment from the nearby veterinarians, our pigs have refrained from consuming herbal remedies that could potentially exacerbate their conditions,” he explained.

Iragaba emphasized the importance of utilizing appropriate medications tailored to address specific health issues, rather than resorting to traditional remedies.

While the establishment of these clinics marks a significant advancement in animal healthcare, ongoing efforts in education and awareness are crucial to ensure optimal utilization by livestock and animal growers across Musanze District.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com