Foot and Mouth scare in Zambezi

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry(MWAF) announced a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the disease infected zone in the Ihaha Crushpen, 80 kilometres south-east of Katima Mulilo earlier this week.
Last week, Zambezi Region Veterinarians collected laboratory samples to confirm the incidence of FMD. Investigations are still  under-way in determining the source of the outbreak to establish how far it has spread.
Twenty-four cattle from five kraals with 247 cattle in total are showing signs of the disease. The cattle had been vaccinated in May this year against the disease FMD.
Since last week, Veterinary officials are conducting livestock inspections in the area where the disease was suspected. A a containment zone of 40km has been set up around the Ihaha Crushpen.
“The suspected cattle which are in poor body condition were salivating and showed signs of ulcers in the mouth,” said Acting Permanent Secretary, Anna Shiweda of Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry in a statement.
“Immediate control measures have been put into  place such as the temporary ban of all susceptible livestock and  products such as hides, game trophies and plant material. Movements within and into and out of the Zambezi Region until further notice,” the statement read.

“In the mean-time a moratorium on the movement of meat from Katima Mulilo abattoir has been imposed until further notice,” the statement added.
Roadblocks have also been set up in strategic points and members of public are urged to cooperate with officials. The ministry of agriculture urges all livestock farmers in the region to have their livestock inspected.
No restrictions were imposed in the FMD free zone south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence as well as other areas such the protection zone north of the fence such as Kavango, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati and Kunene North.