Zambia fears outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease – African Daily Voice

Johannesburg, South Africa (ADV) – The Zambian government has curtailed cattle movements in the eastern province of the country following the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, Zambia Reports reported.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a serious contagious viral disease that affects livestock, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals. It mainly causes weight loss, which devastates the profitability of animal husbandry.

The Permanent Secretary of the province, Dr. Buleti Nsemukila, reported that the Lundazi region recorded 600 cases, while Vubwi recorded 412 cases.

"The government, through the Department of Livestock, has since restricted the movement of livestock in the province to prevent the spread of the disease," said Dr. Nsemukila, adding that he had ordered Police forces to seize found vehicles carrying livestock without a permit.

He also advised farmers to seek advice from the veterinary department before buying animals.

The National Farmers Union of Zambia (ZNFU) recently expressed surprise that it suspected the negligence of handling animals and that some farmers ignored biosecurity measures when moving animals, as stipulated by the Department. Veterinary Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, resulting from the importation of foot-and-mouth disease.

"We must not emphasize the risk that these authors are putting the animal population of our country, and even more so, the image that it portrays for the countries that woo Zambia to export animals to, and the financial losses badociated with foot-and-mouth disease, "said ZNFU President Jarvis Zimba.

He warned that the union will not allow negligence to curb the progress made by farmers over the years to develop the livestock sector in the country.

"As farmers, we must all be responsible for all the actions we take. And as ZNFU, we will continue this business until its conclusion, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Livestock and other government authorities, "he said.

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