Strategy to bolster capital's livestock security

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority marks vaccinating livestock against diseases that might spread to humans as a key goal this year.

ABU DHABI // Vaccinating livestock against diseases that might spread to humans and expanding agricultural development in Al Gharbia are among the the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's (ADFCA) key food security goals for this year. Although it has not released details, the agency is developing a comprehensive strategy for the emirate's livestock, with a food security plan that will span the next two decades.

It is also continuing its immunisation programme for sheep, goats and cattle, vaccinating them against common diseases, including those that might spread to humans, such as tuberculosis and pasteurellosis. More than 313,000 animals have been vaccinated as part of the campaign. The ADFCA, which is primarily tasked with food safety, took over some responsibilities from the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture, allowing it to expand its role in agricultural development.

To improve food security and reliability, the authority is also studying a plan to develop the agricultural sector of Delma in Al Gharbia. The project would improve "the level of agricultural, livestock and fish production equally", the ADFCA said. Mohammed al Reyaysa, the agency's spokesman, said legislation that would help regulate a range of agricultural practices was also under consideration by the authority.