Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
VILLAGERS in Bubi, Matabeleland North Province, are counting their losses after 2 221 cattle died from a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that ravaged parts of the district since late last year.
The outbreak has dealt a severe blow to livestock farmers, with the disease threatening livelihoods and posing a renewed risk to the national herd.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
Although the disease is rarely fatal in adult animals, it causes high fever, painful blisters and lameness, which can significantly reduce animal weight, milk production and overall productivity.
Its rapid spread has historically disrupted livestock-dependent economies and triggered strict trade restrictions in affected countries.
Government and Bubi Rural District Council officials revealed the extent of the outbreak during an interface meeting with the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo.
The meeting, held at the Bubi Rural District Council offices on Tuesday, was part of a series of engagements that Minister Moyo is conducting across the province’s seven rural district councils.
Bubi District Agritex officer Mr Josphat Kujinga said the worst-affected areas were Wards 1, 7 and 10.
“It is unfortunate that villagers lost their most prized possession and source of wealth in the form of cattle due to foot-and-mouth disease,” he said.
“The hardest-hit areas in Bubi were Wards 1, 7 and 10, where farmers lost a significant number of cattle.”
“In total, 2 221 cattle have died over the last few months and, in some isolated cases, farmers are still losing animals, although efforts have been made to ensure consistent cattle dipping in all the district’s 23 wards,” said Mr Kujinga.
He said Government had activated emergency control measures following confirmation of the outbreak.
The interventions include immediate restrictions on livestock movement, targeted vaccination campaigns and intensified surveillance in affected and surrounding areas to identify new cases as early as possible.
Officials expressed optimism that the measures would help contain the disease and prevent further losses.
Livestock is a key source of wealth and livelihood for many rural households in Bubi and across Matabeleland North, making disease outbreaks such as FMD a major threat to household incomes and food security.
