Galmudug Opens New Livestock Care Center to Support Pastoral Communities

Vet doctors conducting a mass livestock vaccination (File Photo/Ergo)

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A new veterinary treatment center established by the Galmudug state administration has been warmly embraced by pastoralist communities residing in the rural areas of Bahdo, located in central Somalia’s Galgadud region. Since its opening on June 1, 2025, it has served as a vital lifeline for local families, with around 500 residents bringing nearly 2,000 animals—including camels and goats—to receive essential treatment for common ailments and vaccinations.

Dr. Jama Ali Mohamed, the coordinator of the Ministry of Livestock in Bahdo, leads a dedicated team of five veterinarians at this center. Together, they share a singular mission: to protect livestock from diseases that pose a threat to their health and productivity. For many pastoralists, these animals are not just livestock; they represent their livelihoods. As the adage goes, “Healthy livestock mean healthy families.” The treatment provided here is entirely free of charge, alleviating the significant hardships that many are currently facing.

“When the animals are sick, it’s a struggle for us as pastoralists to make ends meet. Since this veterinary center began offering treatment, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation. Our livestock are thriving, and messages of gratitude are flowing in. All camels and goats brought to us are treated effectively. We’re equipped with expertise in treating various animals such as goats, cows, sheep, and camels. In addition to treating illnesses, we’re also administering vaccinations against prevalent diseases,” Dr. Jama shared in a recent interview with Radio Ergo.

The recurring illnesses that plague livestock in this region include pneumonia, measles, and tick infestations. Dr. Jama highlighted the alarming trend in Bahdo, where livestock owners lost many animals in just the past three months, particularly as herders migrated in search of water and pasture.

Consider the story of Mahmud Osman Abdi, a local livestock herder who faced devastating losses. In May alone, he lost 47 goats to pneumonia because he could not afford treatment. “I was watching my animals get sicker by the day. Their fur was falling out, and they were dying, sometimes right in front of me. Now, thanks to the center, my remaining 82 goats, which received treatment just two weeks ago, are recovering. They’re agile and active again, foraging for whatever greenery they can find,” Mahmud recalled, a note of relief evident in his voice.

This experience marked a significant milestone for Mahmud. In the 18 years he has been involved in pastoralism, this was the first occasion his livestock had received free treatment. At one point, he feared he might lose his entire herd—a thought that weighed heavily on his family of 11 children, who depended on the animals for sustenance and income.

“We struggled; we had to rely on relatives in Bahdo and Adado to send us money just to eat one meal a day,” he explained, his expression revealing the gravity of what he and his family have endured. He looks forward to the day when he can sell his goats in the marketplace again, offering a glimpse of hope for a brighter future.

Before accessing this veterinary service, Mahmud relied on traditional remedies. “We used to dig up herbs to apply to their skin and fed them medicinal plants. Some survived, but many did not. I faced days when I’d have to slaughter some of my livestock just to keep my family from going hungry for a week or so,” he shared, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow in his tone.

Another livestock herder, Abdi Ali Dirshe, mirrors Mahmud’s story. His main source of income stems from his 170 goats, who just received treatment for pneumonia, foot-and-mouth disease, and ticks in June. “During the time my animals were ill, I had to rely on credit from local shops to feed my family of 12. I’ve built up a debt of $160 that I hope to repay once my goats recover and I can sell them,” he admitted, with a determined glint in his eye.

Abdi faced a grim situation earlier this year when all his livestock fell sick, resulting in the death of 22 goats. He noted that the diseases seemed to have crept in from nomads migrating in with their own sick herds. “At first, you notice one animal looking weak, and before you know it, they just die. Now, after treatment, my animals are bouncing back. They’re much healthier and more active,” he exclaimed, the relief palpable in his voice.

Dr. Jama emphasized the necessity of education regarding livestock health within the community. The center aims to develop a traveling veterinary team that can monitor livestock health across rural areas. “We’ve transformed how care is delivered. Previously, we treated animals at their locations. Now, they come to us. This will enhance our capacity to manage and treat illnesses promptly, presenting us with a far better chance of safeguarding the livestock population,” he explained.

In summary, the establishment of this veterinary center not only brings hope to the pastoralist communities of Bahdo but also ignites a sense of renewed optimism for the future of their livelihoods. As these livestock recover and thrive, one cannot help but reflect: What does it mean to save an entire livelihood? The answer lies in the resilience of the pastoralists and the resources now available to them.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring

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