Foot and mouth outbreak in Chipinge

A FOOT and mouth outbreak has hit Chipinge with reports that thousands of cattle have contracted the highly contagious disease, a situation that has sent many farmers in the district into panic mode.

The Department of Veterinary Services have pointed the outbreak to stray buffaloes from the nearby Save Conservancy that are mixing with cattle from local communities.

Hardest hit areas are Wards 16 and 20 that are near the game park.

Following the outbreak, the sell of beef products from affected areas has been banned.

Chipinge district administrator Mr Edgars Seenza told villagers during an emergency meeting that farmers have to comply with veterinary directives in order to arrest the situation.

"We need a multi-sectoral approach to fight this outbreak and it requires the co-operation of farmers who own the affected cattle. Farmers should comply with veterinary directives to quarantine the affected animals and report early to responsible authorities any outbreak that occurs in their area.

"In the long term we plan to erect an electric fence bordering the Save Conservancy to stop the buffaloes from getting into contact with cattle," said Mr Seenza.

He also urged farmers in Middle Sabi, Taguta, Maronga, Kondo and Chibuwe areas to bring their cattle for vaccination which is taking place from 16 to 18 September.

"We are urging every farmer to comply so as to arrest any further outbreak," he said.

Chipinge district livestock officer Mr Benny Chidziso said the movement of cattle was now restricted.

Manica Post