South Sudan on Monday started a two-day conference for the formation of the first Veterinary Association to be followed by elections of its executive committee in Juba.
The forum aims at promoting the highest professional standards in the veterinary field, Radio Bakhita reports.
Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, James Janka Duku, says establishing the Association would boost government policies against cattle rustling.
He says the Association would be a milestone to achieve a national goal in development.
There is need to access world markets and comply with set international standards if the country is to make use of animals resource, Janka stresses.
Meanwhile, AU representative Fisseha Tadsse says the Association will keep the health of animals and increase its productivity.
This is the first time South Sudan will have a professional Veterinary Association dealing with animal health.