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Nkayi FMD quarantine lifted
2 hrs ago |
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The Matabeleland North Veterinary Directorate has lifted the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) quarantine in Nkayi district after more than 18 months of livestock movement restrictions, following confirmation that the disease outbreak has been successfully contained.
The move is expected to provide significant relief to hundreds of cattle farmers whose livelihoods were affected by restrictions on livestock movement and trade imposed after the outbreak was detected in January 2024.
The quarantine, which affected several dip tanks across the district, was imposed under Section 21(4)(a) of the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01] as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Matabeleland North provincial veterinary director Sitokozile Sibanda confirmed the lifting of the quarantine in a notification signed on April 14 and later endorsed by Director of Veterinary Services Jairus Machakwa on June 2.
"The necessary clinical and serological surveillance has been carried out comprehensively and all results have returned negative," the notification stated.
"This confirms that there is no active circulation of foot and mouth disease in the affected areas."
The Department of Veterinary Services, which falls under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the decision followed extensive disease control measures, including vaccination campaigns, post-outbreak monitoring and continuous surveillance.
"The lifting of quarantine is based on scientific evidence gathered over time through field inspections, laboratory testing and epidemiological assessments," the department said.
"We are satisfied that Nkayi district has met the requirements for restoration to a clean animal health status."
The restrictions had affected dip tanks at Tshanke, Dabe, Sesemba, Tohwe, Nkubini, Sivomo, Sibuyu, Dolahali, Dakamela, Komayanga, Bhodabhoda, Nzuza, Katasa, Dangamberi and Sibangilizwe, limiting cattle movement and disrupting livestock trading activities across the district.
The lifting of the quarantine is expected to revive livestock marketing activities and improve incomes for farmers who have been unable to freely sell or move their cattle for more than a year.
Authorities said normal livestock movement and trade would gradually resume in accordance with standard veterinary regulations.
Despite the positive development, the Department of Veterinary Services urged farmers to remain vigilant and continue implementing biosecurity measures to guard against future outbreaks.
Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most economically significant livestock diseases, with outbreaks often resulting in trade restrictions, production losses and substantial costs associated with disease control and eradication efforts.
The move is expected to provide significant relief to hundreds of cattle farmers whose livelihoods were affected by restrictions on livestock movement and trade imposed after the outbreak was detected in January 2024.
The quarantine, which affected several dip tanks across the district, was imposed under Section 21(4)(a) of the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01] as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Matabeleland North provincial veterinary director Sitokozile Sibanda confirmed the lifting of the quarantine in a notification signed on April 14 and later endorsed by Director of Veterinary Services Jairus Machakwa on June 2.
"The necessary clinical and serological surveillance has been carried out comprehensively and all results have returned negative," the notification stated.
"This confirms that there is no active circulation of foot and mouth disease in the affected areas."
The Department of Veterinary Services, which falls under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the decision followed extensive disease control measures, including vaccination campaigns, post-outbreak monitoring and continuous surveillance.
"We are satisfied that Nkayi district has met the requirements for restoration to a clean animal health status."
The restrictions had affected dip tanks at Tshanke, Dabe, Sesemba, Tohwe, Nkubini, Sivomo, Sibuyu, Dolahali, Dakamela, Komayanga, Bhodabhoda, Nzuza, Katasa, Dangamberi and Sibangilizwe, limiting cattle movement and disrupting livestock trading activities across the district.
The lifting of the quarantine is expected to revive livestock marketing activities and improve incomes for farmers who have been unable to freely sell or move their cattle for more than a year.
Authorities said normal livestock movement and trade would gradually resume in accordance with standard veterinary regulations.
Despite the positive development, the Department of Veterinary Services urged farmers to remain vigilant and continue implementing biosecurity measures to guard against future outbreaks.
Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most economically significant livestock diseases, with outbreaks often resulting in trade restrictions, production losses and substantial costs associated with disease control and eradication efforts.
Source - Southern Eye
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