adminThe Department of Veterinary Services provincial head, Dr Polex Moyo, told heads of Government departments during a provincial development committee meeting on Friday that urgent measures were needed to source the vaccines in order to protect livestock and people. “We are running short of anthrax and rabies vaccines as a province due to a suppressed budget. These are critical drugs and as a province we appeal for urgent assistance to protect livestock,” said Dr Moyo.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and, unless treated quickly and appropriately, usually results in death. Its symptoms occur after exposure and may consist of odd behaviour, delirium, and loss of muscle function, muscle spasms, drooling and pain.
One is infected when the virus, lyssavirus rabies, enters the human body through a bite from an infected animal, in most cases from dogs. The virus progresses through the nerves to the brain and other organs.
Anthrax on the other hand is caused by a type of bacteria called bacillus anthracis.
The disease commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle and goats. In humans the infection mainly affects the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.
Speaking at the same occasion Matabeleland North Agritex provincial spokesperson Mr Thabisani Ngwenya said the grazing situation in the province was poor this year due to erratic rains. He said districts such as Tsholotsho, parts of Bubi and Nkayi were the most affected.
Mr Ngwenya urged farmers to consider harnessing alternative stock feeds and supplements in order to save their head.
The participants also urged the Ministry of Water Resources Development and Management to drill more boreholes in communities for livestock and villagers.
Online Reporter