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:

1. 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.

2. Diagnostics, Quality Assurance & Bio Safety.

Undertake disease diagnosis, epidemiological surveys, quality assurance of veterinary inputs and acquiring, testing and adopting new technologies.

3. Food Safety & Animal By-products

Ensures safety of food of animal origin and promotes value addition and marketing of hides and skins

4. Breeding, Extension & Animal Welfare

Regulates the provision of animal breeding and veterinary extension services. It is also responsible for promotion of animal welfare.