Monitoring animal diseases in the Kingdom: 5,000 field visits

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) continues its diligent efforts to monitor epidemic animal diseases across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of a comprehensive system primarily aimed at enhancing animal health and protecting national resources from any potential epidemic threats. These proactive measures have proven effective in maintaining the stability of the agricultural and livestock sectors.

Historical development of veterinary prevention efforts in Saudi Arabia

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given great importance to the livestock sector as a cornerstone of food security. Over the decades, veterinary control mechanisms have evolved from limited vaccination campaigns to comprehensive national strategies based on the latest global technologies. The establishment of the “Wiqa’a” Center was a pivotal step in this historical trajectory, unifying institutional efforts and moving from a crisis response phase to one of proactive forecasting and prevention. This development reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to implementing the highest international standards issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), contributing to building a robust defense against transboundary epidemics that have long threatened the stability of local and regional markets.

5,000 field visits to enhance animal disease monitoring

As part of its 2025 operational plan, the Weqaa Center reported conducting over 5,078 field visits dedicated to epidemiological investigation. These extensive visits covered approximately 15,817 locations across the Kingdom. These significant figures reflect an unprecedented expansion in the scope of field operations, ensuring the early detection of any disease outbreaks. The Center emphasized that its investigation programs extend beyond mere visual inspection, encompassing regular and thorough evaluations of the effectiveness of previous immunization campaigns. This ensures accurate implementation, enhances the efficiency of preventive interventions, and develops early warning and rapid response capabilities for any epidemic emergency.

Strategic dimensions of protecting livestock locally and internationally

The importance of these measures extends beyond domestic affairs, encompassing regional and international impact. Domestically, these operations enhance field preparedness and enable specialized teams to respond immediately, thus limiting the spread of infection, maintaining stable prices for meat and animal products, and supporting livestock breeders and farmers. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in controlling animal epidemics strengthens the reliability of its exports and prevents the cross-border transmission of zoonotic diseases, positioning Saudi Arabia as a trusted strategic partner in global efforts to combat epidemics.

Sustaining food security in line with Vision 2030

In conclusion, the center emphasizes the ongoing development of monitoring and evaluation programs to support livestock protection and strengthen the overall food security system. These sustained efforts directly align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural and livestock sectors and ensure a secure and prosperous food future for generations to come.