Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu in Plumtree
AT least 54 out of 2 403 cattle in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, have been confirmed with foot and mouth disease (FMD) by the Department of Veterinary Services, raising concern among livestock farmers and authorities in the province.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.
While the disease is often mild in small livestock, it can be devastating in cattle, causing severe production losses and in some cases, death.
In Southern Africa, wild buffaloes act as the main reservoir of the virus, enabling transmission to domestic animals, especially in areas located near wildlife habitats.
In a statement, the Directorate of Veterinary Services notified Mangwe stakeholders about a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the district.
The department said the outbreak was reported on 5 January at Maholi and Hanavale dip tanks.
Investigations suggest that the infection sources may have been from buffaloes which were sighted in the areas two months before the outbreak, increasing the likelihood of wildlife-to-livestock transmission.
Laboratory tests later confirmed 54 cases of FMD out of a total 2 403 cattle monitored in the affected zones, prompting authorities to swiftly activate disease control protocols to prevent further spread.
The department has since enacted control measures, including quarantining affected cattle, imposing movement restrictions and rolling out vaccination within a 20km radius of the outbreak epicentres.
These measures are meant to contain the disease and safeguard both communal and commercial herds in surrounding areas.
Veterinary officials said farmers have been urged to strictly adhere to biosecurity guidelines, avoid moving livestock without clearance and promptly report any suspected cases showing symptoms such as excessive salivation, lameness and blisters on the mouth and feet.
In an official statement, the Veterinary Services Department emphasised its approach to managing the outbreak.
“We are committed to transparency and collaboration in managing this outbreak and will keep you informed of any developments.”
In an update last week, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said the Government is working on containing the spread, while neighbouring countries South Africa, Botswana and Zambia are also reporting FMD outbreaks, highlighting the regional nature of the threat.
Authorities said continued surveillance, vaccination and cooperation with farmers remain critical in controlling the disease and protecting the livestock sector, which is a key pillar of rural livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy.
