Foot-and-mouth fears in Mutasa

Wimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
THE Department of Veterinary Services is rolling out a foot-and-mouth (FMD) vaccination exercise in Mutasa district after some villagers illegally moved their cattle from the disease’s red zonese.

The department recently shot 14 cows that had been moved from an FMD zone in Gutu to Mutasa to suppress potential spread.

Owner of the cattle Mr David Matanga of plot 3 Pagomo Farm, Toronto, Mutasa, was last week served with a destruction order for violating Statutory Instrument 280 of the Animal Health (Movement of Cattle and Pigs) Regulations of 1984.

In an interview with The Herald, the provincial veterinary epidemiologist, Dr Innocent Chabhanga, confirmed the vaccination.

“After the recent threat of FMD when cattle were illegally moved from Gutu, the department has swiftly implemented a reactive vaccination programme to curb any potential outbreak of the disease in Mutasa district,” said Dr Chabhanga.

He said the vaccination was being carried out in areas surrounding Mr Matanga’s farm.
“We have targeted to vaccinate cattle within about 10km radius of the point where cattle were illegally moved to,” said Dr Chibhanga. “The north-eastern and eastern side has a natural barrier of mountains so our vaccination programme will spread mainly towards the west, north and south.

“The cattle population in the target area is about 400. The programme will start from the periphery of the target radius going inwards towards the breach.”

In a recent interview, provincial veterinary officer Dr Charles Guri said the vaccination process was expensive.
“One injection for FMD costs about US$3 and one cattle needs about four injections,” he said. “Unfortunately, the injection is not available in Zimbabwe. That is why it is sold in US dollars.”