Locadia Mavhudzi Herald Correspondent
OVER 3 000 new cases of foot and mouth disease have been reported in Mberengwa District. Midlands veterinary official Dr Munyaradzi Chigiji said 3 548 new cases of foot and mouth disease were detected at 28 dip tanks across Mberengwa District.

“Already this month we recorded 3 548 cases of foot and mouth disease in Mberengwa District. During the first week of November 1 410 cases were detected at 11 dip tanks and in the second week, 2 138 cases were detected at 17 dip tanks. This recurrence is worrisome as the disease has been contained in all other districts across the province.” Dr Chigiji said the recurrence of foot and mouth disease in Mberengwa District has led to the banning of movement of cattle in the area to any other district to curb further spread of the disease.

“Control of the disease depends on the effectiveness of movement controls on livestock, the effectiveness of Veterinary Services in rapidly detecting and controlling outbreaks at their source through quarantine and vaccination of exposed and in-contact animals and the support that can be received from stakeholders,” he said. Dr Chigiji said the most effective control method for foot and mouth disease was through zonal control.

“Without zonal controls, as is the case presently, the population requiring vaccination increases variably as incursions occur outside the high-risk areas. We have also urged communities in Mberengwa to desist from consuming meat from dead cattle or any ill livestock,” he said. Dr Chigiji said 1 275 dairy cattle in Gweru had been vaccinated against foot and mouth disease as of this month.

“Our local dairy farmers are on the safe side as Gweru district has never had cases of foot and mouth disease.” Foot and mouth disease vaccine, he said, must be administered repeatedly every four months to all affected and in-contact animals.

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