Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
THE Government has stepped up its foot-and-mouth disease prevention strategy by targeting 29 conservancies for rigorous biosecurity inspections and certification, while accelerating the translocation of buffalo from areas where they pose a high risk of transmitting the disease to livestock.
The move forms part of an “early warning, early action” approach aimed at preventing disease outbreaks before the onset of the forecast 2026/27 Super El Niño season, a period expected to place additional pressure on livestock production systems.
Authorities say the programme is designed to strengthen biosecurity, reduce contact between buffalo and cattle, intensify surveillance, expand vaccination and enforce movement controls to protect the national herd.
This phase of the programme has already seen 200 buffalo translocated from Save Conservancy to secure, fully fenced facilities where they will no longer come into contact with cattle.
Buffalo are recognised as the natural reservoir of several FMD virus serotypes, making separation from livestock one of the most effective disease control measures.
Chief Director for the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, said the country was taking decisive action to stay ahead of a growing regional threat.
“Foot-and-mouth disease remains a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s livestock sector, particularly as outbreaks continue to affect countries across the SADC region,” he said.
“By translocating buffalo to secure, fully fenced facilities, strengthening biosecurity and rolling out vaccination programmes, we are taking proactive measures to minimise transmission to cattle, protect farmers’ livelihoods and safeguard national food security.”
Dr Makaya said seven SADC countries werebattling FMD outbreaks, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.
While vaccination remains a critical line of defence, he said, preventing contact between buffalo and cattle remains the cornerstone of disease control, particularly in conservancies where damaged or incomplete perimeter fencing has allowed wildlife and livestock to mix.
“As Government, we are targeting 29 conservancies for inspection and certification to ensure biosecurity regulations are fully implemented,” he said.
