Dominican Republic invests RD$669 M to strengthen animal health, boost livestock sector

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Livestock (DIGEGA) has launched an ambitious operational plan aimed at enhancing animal health and boosting the national livestock sector’s competitiveness. With an investment exceeding RD$669.6 million, the plan is designed to address critical health challenges, improve productivity, and increase the country’s food security.

The government’s comprehensive strategy allocates significant funds across various initiatives. The lion’s share of RD$580 million will be directed to improving animal health, with a focus on preventing and controlling diseases such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, classical swine fever, avian influenza, and Newcastle disease—threats that pose both economic and health risks to the livestock sector.

In addition, RD$10.5 million will support the development of sheep and goat farming in the border regions, while RD$54.5 million will be allocated to combat bovine diseases in the northwest. A further RD$24.6 million will be invested in enhancing the productivity of the country’s dairy farming systems.

According to DIGEGA Director Abel Madera, the plan is not only about safeguarding the health of the nation’s livestock but also ensuring that Dominican products are competitive in international markets. “Our commitment is to strengthen the national livestock sector, a key element in guaranteeing food sovereignty and security, while improving the competitiveness of our producers in both local and international markets,” Madera said.

By addressing disease prevention, optimizing production systems, and promoting sustainability, the initiative aims to provide a long-term solution to the challenges facing the sector. As a result, the plan promises to improve the availability of protein in the Dominican diet, increase profitability for producers, and bolster the overall economic stability of the country.

The DIGEGA’s proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to creating a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive livestock industry, crucial for the country’s food security and economic growth.