Zim contains foot-and-mouth disease

Bianca Leboho Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe has contained the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that had affected cattle in some parts of Matabeleland, Midlands and Masvingo provinces. Zimbabwe National Veterinary Services director Dr Josphat Nyika said for the past three weeks there had not been any new cases of FMD reported in the country. Dr Nyika said there was need to be extra careful to ensure the outbreak was completely eradicated.

“As of now, I can safely say that the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the country has been contained,” he said.

“For the last three weeks, there has not been any new cases of foot and mouth in Zimbabwe. Although this is good news, we will not abandon all the restrictions and regulations put in place to control the spread of the foot and mouth disease outbreak. We will continue with our surveillance and quarantine restrictions of affected animals.”

He said in pursuance to this, the department would continue to man roadblocks and confiscate meat.

Other interventions that the department has employed to contain the disease include temporary closure of abattoirs and stopping movement of cattle in affected areas.

“We are still carrying out roadblock vehicle inspections in the country with the help of the police. Such inspections are vital in this whole process. If we leave any loopholes we will go back to zero in this fight,” he said.

Dr Nyika said farmers should continue to be wary of the foot and mouth disease and seek advice in all stages of livestock rearing and domestic uses.