Animal health centre builds a bridge
between classrooms and communities

For many farmers and animal owners in the North West Province, access to animal healthcare can determine the health of their livestock, household income and food security. At the NWU, the Dale Bieghle Animal Health Centre has become a link between academic training and community service, providing animal healthcare while preparing graduates to serve South Africa's agricultural sector.

Located on the Mahikeng Campus, the centre provides vaccinations, surgeries, diagnostic services, disease prevention programmes and animal health outreach to surrounding communities. It also serves as a practical training facility where animal health students gain experience before entering the workplace.

Prof. Simon Letsoalo, director of the School of Agricultural Sciences, says these services have made the Dale Bieghle Animal Health Centre a strategic community resource. “It strengthens livestock productivity, improves companion animal welfare, enhances public health and supports sustainable agricultural development across the North West Province."