Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has imposed an indefinite ban on the movement of ruminants and pigs into and from Buhera District, following a reported outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The disease is believed to be spreading due to buffaloes straying from Save Conservancy and Devure Range – where wild animals have been straying into the adjacent Marange, Buhera, and Chipinge areas, owing to the vandalism of the double fence demarcating the conservancies and communities, which has remained unrepaired for years.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri confirmed the outbreak of FMD, and said Government is working on measures to prevent wild animals from straying into surrounding communal communities.
“We are currently doing surveillance and ensuring we control the movement of buffaloes from Save Valley Conservancy,” said Professor Jiri.
The outbreak was initially reported at two dip tanks in the district, where it had affected at least 200 cattle, prompting the Department of Veterinary Services to swiftly quarantine the entire district – thus barring any movement of ruminants and pigs in and out of the district.
The outbreak of foot and mouth disease comes barely a month after the DVS declared Manicaland free from the disease, following a successful vaccination programme that covered nearly 10 000 cattle in the district.
In a notice dated April 28, to all livestock development committees, the DVS announced that all dip tanks in the district had been placed under indefinite quarantine.
“The District of Buhera, of which there are at least 200 cattle infected or suspected to be infected with the disease (FMD), is placed under quarantine for a period of indefinite. During the indefinite period, no ruminants and pigs may be moved or allowed to stray into or from the above mentioned land.
“To mitigate or stop the spread of the disease, the following must be carried out – report immediately any suspicion of sick animal to, and produce all cattle for vaccination and or inspection when called by DVS; sensitise and educate other stock owners; and report at earliest any illegal movement of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to the police and DVS,” reads part of the notice.
Buhera Rural District Council chairman, Alderman Thomas Matsenhura said the issue of stray wild animals has been ongoing for years, and urged authorities to monitor the operations of game owners and adjacent communities, citing concerns over porous boundary security fences.
He also said the council is mobilising communities to contribute resources to enhance security measures, thereby protecting livestock and irrigation schemes.
“We are experiencing weekly incidents of buffaloes straying into Buhera South from conservancies in Bikita. Wards 17, 29, 28, 30, and 33 are the most affected by wild animals. Unfortunately, our communities have been reluctant to contribute funds to purchase three-strand wires.
“Farmers, particularly those in irrigation schemes such as Devure and Birchenough Bridge, are severely impacted as buffaloes are drawn to the green crops in their fields. Consequently, these farmers chase the buffaloes into communal areas, resulting in the spread of diseases.
“We have encouraged the 364 affected farmers to set aside funds from their produce sales to purchase wire, enhancing security measures and mitigating the risks associated with stray animals. At present, wild animals are roaming freely in Buhera. We regularly engage with the owners of these conservancies, and occasionally they respond by driving the animals back. However, they seem unconcerned about establishing proper security measures.
“We intend to engage with ZimParks and the Wildlife Authority to find a lasting solution to this issue. The continued outbreaks of diseases linked to wild animals pose a significant threat, potentially leaving our communities without livestock. The current outbreak of FMD follows on the heels of the January Disease outbreak in Buhera Central, West, and South,” said Alderman Matsenhura.
Online Reporter