News / Regional
Foot and Mouth causes headaches for Gwanda agricultural show
13 Aug 2015 at 03:13hrs | Views
File photo: ©ivetblogs
THE 58th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show kicks off today in Gwanda with organisers keeping a close eye on livestock carrying the deadly foot and mouth disease.
Measures to curb the spread of the disease have been taken.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection which affects livestock.
Matabeleland South Agricultural Show spokesperson Mvelo Zondo said all livestock being exhibited at the show was for direct slaughter.
According to officials, foot-and mouth disease has killed hundreds of cattle in the Midlands and Matabeleland region over the past two years, a development which has seriously affected the beef industry.
Agriculture deputy minister (livestock) Paddy Zhanda recently said private abattoirs were contributing to the spread of the disease as they ignored restrictions regarding movement of cattle.
In April, the Veterinary Services Department suspended operations at Mbokodo Abattoir along Bulawayo-Plumtree Road after the disease was detected at its premises.
Zhanda named Mwenezi as the source of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak stalking Matabeleland region.
Zondo said more than 60% space of the exhibition had been booked.
The annual exhibition, which ends on Saturday is running under the theme "Innovations that Promote Value Addition and Beneficiation".
Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko will officially open the show on Saturday.
Measures to curb the spread of the disease have been taken.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection which affects livestock.
Matabeleland South Agricultural Show spokesperson Mvelo Zondo said all livestock being exhibited at the show was for direct slaughter.
According to officials, foot-and mouth disease has killed hundreds of cattle in the Midlands and Matabeleland region over the past two years, a development which has seriously affected the beef industry.
Agriculture deputy minister (livestock) Paddy Zhanda recently said private abattoirs were contributing to the spread of the disease as they ignored restrictions regarding movement of cattle.
In April, the Veterinary Services Department suspended operations at Mbokodo Abattoir along Bulawayo-Plumtree Road after the disease was detected at its premises.
Zhanda named Mwenezi as the source of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak stalking Matabeleland region.
Zondo said more than 60% space of the exhibition had been booked.
The annual exhibition, which ends on Saturday is running under the theme "Innovations that Promote Value Addition and Beneficiation".
Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko will officially open the show on Saturday.
Source - Southern Eye
