Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MANICALAND is once again grappling with a sporadic outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has spread to various parts of the province, prompting authorities to heighten vigilance and protect animals.
FMD has a long and complex history in Manicaland, with frequent outbreaks linked to interactions between cattle and wildlife, particularly buffaloes straying from the Save Conservancy into adjacent communities in Chipinge, Mutare, Buhera and Chimanimani districts.
There have been calls for conservancy owners to improve security following the vandalism of the double fence around the conservancy, so that straying of buffaloes is minimized.
Factors such as drought and illegal animal movement from the affected regions have exacerbated the spread of the disease in the province.
The economic consequences of FMD have been significant, severely impacted the beef industry, resulting in the loss of export markets and impacting local farmers’ livelihoods.
It is a severe, highly contagious viral livestock disease that has a significant economic impact.
It affects cattle, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants, and if left unchecked, can cripple the livestock sector, cause immense animal suffering, destroy farmer businesses, create food insecurity and create massive trade impacts for the country. Though acting provincial veterinary officer, Dr Pikitayi Chanaiwa refused to comment on the latest outbreak, and referred questions to the Chief Director in the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, who was not picking up his mobile phone, The Business Post understands that the affected districts have been put under indefinite quarantine. In a recent notice to District Development Coordinators, Provincial Development Coordinator, the Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, warned that the disease had spread from Buhera to Mutare District,with reported cases in areas such as Marange, Chiadzwa, and other parts of the province.
Mr Maronge said the first cases of foot and mouth disease were detected in the province in April, and emphasised the need for strict adherence to regulations governing the management and movement of livestock in affected areas to curb the spread of the disease.
“As at April 2025, Veterinary Authorities reported incidences of foot and mouth which were first detected around Buhera dip tanks but has since spread to other parts of the province such as Chiadzwa, Marange, etc. In response to this development, a quarantine order is now in effect for the affected areas. During the period, livestock movements are not being allowed into and out of all affected areas.
“The authorities have further advised that in order to mitigate the spread of the disease, the following measures should be carried out. Report immediately any suspicion of sick animals to the Department of Veterinary Services. Produce allcattle for vaccination and or inspection when called by the DVS. Sensitise other stock owners and report any illegal movement of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to nearest ZRP and DVS.
“It is against this background that you are requested to ensure that all relevant stakeholders and structures assist to mitigate the spreading of this disease. Equally critical is the need for your offices and your respective local authorities to improve coordination of all players relevant to containing this outbreak as guided by the Department of Veterinary Services,” said Mr Maronge.
