United States Africa Command

MEDIA ROOMUnassigned

U.S. AFRICOM Public AffairsJun 19, 2013

A Mauritanian contractor completes a livestock pen protecting cattle along an important transportation route linking Mauritania and Mali. The project of building seven livestock pens is a cooperative effort between USAFRICOM’s Humanitarian Assistance program, the U.S. Embassy in Nouachott, Mauritania, and the Mauritania Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (Courtesy photo)

1 photo: United States Africa Command's Humanitarian Assistance Program Helps Ranchers in Mauritania

Photo 1 of 1: A Mauritanian contractor completes a livestock pen protecting cattle along an important transportation route linking Mauritania and Mali. The project of building seven livestock pens is a cooperative effort between USAFRICOM’s Humanitarian Assistance program, the U.S. Embassy in Nouachott, Mauritania, and the Mauritania Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (Courtesy photo) Download full-resolution version

Right behind agriculture, ranching is the biggest source of nutrition in West Africa, so for ranchers, a safe and secure place to bring their livestock for vaccinations and de-worming medication is critical.

That is why United States Africa Command’s Humanitarian Assistance (HA) program recently funded and facilitated the completion of seven livestock vaccination and inspection facilities across Mauritania.

The projects were a cooperative effort between USAFRICOM’s HA program, the U.S. Embassy in Nouachott, Mauritania, and the Mauritania Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Currently, livestock in Mauritania are more susceptible to disease and infestation which is made worse by drought conditions. The completed facilities provide livestock owners with access to trained veterinary personnel. The facilities will also help prevent injury to both the people administering medications as well as the livestock.

Construction was completed by local contractors. Both Mauritanian and US military veterinary personnel will conduct the vaccination and de-worming efforts, while supporting key-engagement training opportunities at the stations in the future.