adminWhinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
FRESH foot and mouth disease (FMD) cases have been detected in Matabeleland North, but authorities there say the situation is under control.
There were reports of an outbreak in Hwange District last month and the disease has gradually spread to other parts of the province which include Dete, Nkayi and some parts of Umguza District.
The Veterinary Services Department’s Matabeleland North provincial head, Dr Pollex Moyo said measures were being taken to control the latest outbreak.
“I can confirm that there has been an outbreak of foot and mouth disease which was detected in the province but the situation is now under control and measures to control the disease are being implemented. We’re aware of the outbreak in Nkayi District which we suspect might have emanated from Gokwe South,” he said.
“We’ve been teaching farmers on what they should do to control the disease. We’ve advised them to practise the quarantine method where they separate the suspected cattle from those not infected at both grazing and watering points. Although splitting cattle at grazing and watering points is a challenge especially at this time of the year, farmers must try their best.”
He said farmers must avoid any unauthorised movement of cattle to guard against the spread of the disease.
FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease which affects cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, among other animals.
The Veterinary Services Department has previously noted that more than $20 million was needed to vaccinate animals mostly in the southern parts of the country.
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Londile Moyo