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Kudzaishe Muhamba-Agriculture Reporter
An animal health programme to curb high impact transboundary animal diseases in Zimbabwe has been launched by the Government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The animal health component project seeks to strengthen the livestock sector as it supports livelihoods, provides food and nutrition security and an essential pathway out of poverty for at least 42 percent of people living within the SADC region.
The move is aimed at reducing regional transboundary animal diseases, including foot and mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants (rinderpest) and highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Chief director of Veterinary Services Dr Josphat Nyika said Zimbabwe was on high alert for transboundary animal diseases.
“We have been working closely with partners such as FAO to strengthen our biosecurity measures to ensure that the country’s livestock is at optimum health to produce high-quality meat and meat products that can be exported to lucrative regional and international markets,” he said.
Dr Nyika said for effective animal disease control, inspection and certification in accordance with international requirements and guidelines, the European Union-funded support towards the operationalisation of the SADC regional agricultural policy project has procured laboratory equipment and reagents.
The programme also facilitated several training programmes in partnership with the Department of Veterinary Services through local technical resource persons in collaboration with regional academic agricultural centres of excellence.
FAO’s sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa Dr Patrice Talla said the project will address surveillance, diagnosis and treatment strategies for peste des petits ruminants.
“It is hoped that through this intervention, the occurrence of peste des petits ruminants and other transboundary animal diseases affecting Zimbabwe will be effectively tackled, resulting in Zimbabwe’s export potential of animal and animal products being realised by the opening of regional and international export markets for locally produced meat and poultry,” he said.
Dr Talla said FAO remained committed to working with and supporting Zimbabwe in strengthening its livestock sector.
“We are concurrently implementing other livestock-related projects that include the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme and the Fisheries for the African, Asian and the Pacific countries, to name, but a few that you may be familiar with,” he said.
Online Reporter