The Directorate of Veterinary Services is charged with the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of animal health related strategies, policies and legal frameworks; management, control and eradication of animal diseases and pests including zoonoses.
It is also responsible for laboratory diagnostic services and disease surveillance; provision and facilitation of extension services in animal health, welfare and production; maintenance of infrastructure.
Other activities include development and co-ordination of projects and programs in the animal health sector; information management; and regulation, inspection and quality control of inputs, live animals, animal products and by-products.
All these functions are done in collaboration with other stakeholders.
To achieve this mandate, the department is divided into 4 divisions namely:
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Animal Diseases & Pest Control.
Controls and eradicates epizootic notifiable diseases, vectors such as tsetse and ticks in collaboration with stakeholders in addition to facilitating and regulating trade in animals and animal products.
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Diagnostics, Quality Assurance & Bio Safety.
Undertake disease diagnosis, epidemiological surveys, quality assurance of veterinary inputs and acquiring, testing and adopting new technologies.
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Food Safety & Animal By-products
Ensures safety of food of animal origin and promotes value addition and marketing of hides and skins
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Breeding, Extension & Animal Welfare
Regulates the provision of animal breeding and veterinary extension services. It is also responsible for promotion of animal welfare.