With the intensification of the Syrian crisis, the regular delivery of animal health services in Syria has been significantly disrupted, leaving many animals without proper health care and vaccination. The crossing of borders by refugees with unvaccinated sheep, goats and cattle increases the number of dying, malnourished animals and of animals being sold at reduced market prices. Risks of outbreaks became a constant threat in Lebanon due to a limited disease surveillance and reporting, inadequate animal quarantine facilities and animal vaccination programmes. The Ministry of Agriculture reported, indeed, the first outbreak of Lumpy skin disease. In addition, Lebanese used to benefit from Syria’s seasonal pastures and generous feed subsidies but, like the free vaccines, this source has disappeared. As such, TADs, high feed prices and pressure on seasonal pastures and rangelands are forcing Lebanese farmers out of business. 

FAO supported the Veterinary Department to implement a two-year blanket vaccination campaign, through which about 96 percent of the national herd - mostly small ruminants - was vaccinated against three TADs: foot-and mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants and lumpy skin disease. 

See More: Emergency Vaccination against Transboundary Animal Disease in Lebanon