The Veterinary Council of Tanzania (VCT) has directed all animal health service providers, including owners of veterinary facilities and practicing professionals, to register with the Council in compliance with the law.
The directive was issued during an inspection exercise of animal health service centres and practitioners conducted in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking on behalf of the VCT Registrar, Council Inspector Dr George Mtinda said registration of both facilities and professionals is a legal obligation and a critical measure to ensure quality and safety in the delivery of animal health services.
Dr Mtinda said the requirement is provided for under the Veterinary Act, which mandates all animal health professionals and service centres to be registered in order to be recognised and monitored by the Council.
He noted that registration enables the Council to verify whether service providers meet the required professional and operational standards.
He emphasised the importance of facility owners employing qualified and duly registered professionals, warning that failure to do so could expose livestock to serious risks, including poor treatment and the spread of animal diseases.
Dr Mtinda said the inspections are part of a special nationwide operation aimed at assessing compliance with the Veterinary Act No. 16 of 2003 and ensuring that animal health services are delivered in accordance with the law.
He cautioned that professionals and facility owners who fail to register or operate outside the legal framework will face immediate action, including closure of their facilities.
He also urged livestock keepers to seek services only from registered centres and certified professionals approved by the Council, saying this is vital to protecting livestock health, improving productivity and preventing the spread of animal diseases across the country.