adminChipinge Correspondent
AT least 20 000 cattle in Chipinge District were vaccinated against anthrax as the district battles the spread of the highly contagious disease which affect both animals and human beings. Early this year, 12 people were admitted at St Peters Mission Hospital in Chisumbanje after consuming anthrax-infected meat, while nine beasts succumbed to the disease.
So far anthrax cases have been recorded in some parts of Chipinge, particularly in wards 24 and 25 where a ban was imposed on the selling of beef.
Speaking at the 74th Rural District Development Committee ordinary meeting, Dr Chanaiwa from the Department of Veterinary Services, they had made strides in fighting anthrax in the district.
He said his department was imposing penalties on farmers who were failing to have their animals vaccinated.
“We have vaccinated 22 001 cattle so far.
“About 5 500 cattle were not vaccinated.
“We are currently working with law enforcement agents to penalise those farmers who shunned the vaccination exercise.
“Farmers who fail to cooperate will pay a fine of at least $20 per beast or face imprisonment,” he said.
Dr Chanaiwa said the Veterinary Service Department in Chipinge was undertaking a programme of educating communities on the best methods of preventing the spread of the disease.
During the meeting, District Administrator, Mr Edgars Seenza, said all stakeholders agreed to step up awareness campaigns in the affected areas and neighbouring wards.
Online Reporter