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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe is on high alert for the highly pathogenic Avian influenza that has hit South Africa threatening egg supplies and the availability of chicken meat in that country.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government got an update on the disease and its implications on the country.
“Cabinet received a report on the highly pathogenic avian influenza in South Africa, and implications for Zimbabwe, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka,” he said.
Minister Muswere said Government would implement several preventative measures against the disease.
“The nation is being informed that South Africa is currently experiencing outbreaks of two different strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 and H7N6 in seven of its nine provinces.
“The Government has instituted the following preventative measures among others through the Department of Veterinary Services: activation of Rapid Response Teams; and awareness campaigns to the poultry industry value chain players and the public on the urgent need to strengthen their bio-security measures,” said Minister Muswere.
“The Poultry Sector is urged to institute the following measures, limit movement of people, feed and farm equipment from other poultry enterprises, and not to feed wild birds coming to the homestead or farm. Farmers should contact their nearest veterinary offices for guidance.”
South Africa is currently grappling with an outbreak of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a bird flu which spreads rapidly in an infected flock causing a high death rate.
Producers have warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks after millions of chickens were killed by the outbreak in that country.
Meanwhile, Minister Muswere said Cabinet received an update on cholera outbreak situation in the country that he said was delivered by the acting Minister of Health and Child Care, Professor Amon Murwira.
“Cabinet advises that as at 30th September 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 4 436 with 4 246 recoveries.
“Manicaland Province and Harare Province contributed the highest number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe, having reported 1 934 (43.5 percent) and 1 627 (36.7 percent) cumulative cholera cases respectively by 30 September, 2023,” he said.
“Cabinet reports that medicines and commodities supply have been prepositioned in districts with resource mobilisation ongoing from national level as well as through provisional and district structures and donors have also chipped in. The nation is informed that active surveillance is ongoing at the ports of entry. Cabinet highlights that dissemination of information is being intensified to curb the spread of cholera. Furthermore, water quality monitoring of waste disposal and waste management is ongoing in provinces.”
He said several activities have since been conducted in affected areas in Harare, Gutu, Bikita and Chiredzi district aimed at sensitizing people.
Risk communication and community engagement committees were set-up in four rural provinces of Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.
“Additionally, twenty (20) risk communication and community engagement campaigns were conducted in Mashonaland East, and distribution of cholera information, education and communication materials is ongoing,” he said.
“In light of the current cholera situation, Cabinet approved as follows: that traditional and religious leaders be engaged to facilitate public health measures to control cholera within their communities; and that there be enforcement of laws on burials and city/council by-laws to ensure the public health response to Cholera is effective.”
Online Reporter