Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
The Government has, with immediate effect, temporarily banned livestock movement while dispatching 300 000 free vaccines to high-risk areas to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
In line with the national livestock development strategy, the country aims to grow its national herd to 11 million cattle over the next 10 years, strengthening food security and boosting beef and dairy production.
The highly contagious disease has been reported in Gutu, parts of Masvingo and Chivhu, prompting authorities to act swiftly to prevent further spread.
If left unchecked, FMD can cause fever and painful blisters on the mouth, feet and teats of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, pigs and sheep, leading to severe production losses and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.
The action of temporarily banning livestock movement, announced on Thursday, comes as authorities seek to avoid the situation in South Africa, where the disease has ravaged livestock in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces, disrupting beef supply chains and threatening regional trade.
In an interview with The Herald, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the vaccines would be strategically deployed to protect the country’s most valuable livestock.
“We have got more than 300 000 vaccines, which we are going to focus on the affected areas and we will ring-fence our important areas — the pedigree breeders and the dairy farmers — to make sure we protect our seed stock and keep dairy production strong,” he said.
In a separate interview, the chief director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Dr Pious Makaya, explained that the new controls were “not just a precaution but a necessity” to safeguard the livestock sector.
“We are enforcing these measures immediately to ensure that all cattle remain in their farms and wards so our teams can effectively carry out the FMD vaccination programme,” Dr Makaya said.
“Any laxity at this stage will compromise national livestock health, threaten farmer livelihoods, and disrupt the meat and dairy supply chain.”
Under the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01], movement of cloven-hoofed animals from or into affected districts will require written clearance from the Provincial Veterinary Director, supported by a valid Veterinary Movement Permit issued after inspection by an authorised official.
Auctions, markets and animal shows in quarantined areas are suspended until further notice and vehicle disinfection points have been set up at strategic control zones.
Breaches of the regulations may result in the impounding of animals and prosecution.
Dr Makaya urged farmers, livestock transporters, abattoirs, and the public to cooperate fully.
“This is a collective responsibility. Our veterinary teams are on the ground working closely with local authorities and farmer organisations to contain risks,” he said.
“We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary officers and law enforcement agencies.”
The public is encouraged to report any unusual livestock deaths, sudden illnesses, or suspicious animal movements to the nearest veterinary office.
“Together, we can protect Zimbabwe’s livestock industry, but it starts with everyone playing their part in stopping this disease in its tracks,” Dr Makaya said.
