FMD restrictions in Zambezi slightly eased

THE ministry of agriculture has relaxed the restrictions on the movements of livestock in the Zambezi region, which were imposed following the outbreak of food-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the area.

The measures were imposed after the FMD outbreak was confirmed at Sigwe village in the region three weeks ago.

Acting chief veterinary officer in the ministry of agriculture, Albertina Shilongo announced this in a statement released on Friday to give an update on the disease.

The measures put in place restricted the movements of all cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep and goats in, out and through the controlled area of Sigwe village.

The movements of potentially infectious animal products in and out of the controlled area such as hides and skins, game trophies, grass and plant materials, were also restricted.

Shilongo stated that the ministry had managed to contain the outbreak by vaccinating 3 934 cattle out of a total of 4 125 in the area, achieving a 95% vaccination coverage.

“After rounds of surveillance by veterinary officers within a 30-kilometre radius of Sigwe village, it was established that the outbreak has not spread beyond the area,” she added.

Following this development, the ministry will now allow the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, hides, skins, game trophies, and the slaughtering of animals at abattoirs and markets in the region, except in the controlled area.

The movement of raw meat and raw milk within the Zambezi region is also allowed, including within the controlled area, Shilongo continued. She explained that FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals, and is not transmissible to human beings. The virus can spread through infected animals newly introduced into a herd, contaminated hay, water and vehicles, amongst others.

“Clinical signs include salivation, limping, not grazing, reluctance to move, fever, blisters, and ulcers on the mouth and hooves,” the statement said. Shilongo thus urged farmers to report any suspicious cases of FMD and the movements of animals, as well as prohibited products, in the controlled area. A number of patrols have been set up around the controlled area, and roadblocks will soon follow at strategic places around the area, the ministry said.

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