Maria David
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has confirmed the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease at Mbalasinte village, Kabbe South Constituency in the Zambezi Region.
Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Musilika-Shilongo, said a farmer notified the Katima Mulilo State Veterinary office about a few heads of cattle with indicative clinical signs of FMD on the 9th of this month.
Musilika-Shilongo stated that following outbreak investigation by veterinary officials, a total of 14 clinical cases out of 230 heads of cattle were found with healing lesions consistent with FMD, at three kraals.
“The investigation to ascertain the source of infection is ongoing,” she said.
She added that in line with Animal Health Act, Kabbe north and south constituencies have been declared FMD infected areas and the entire Zambezi Region is declared a Disease Management Area (DMA).
Musilika-Shilongo indicated that intensive FMD surveillance aimed at establishing the extent of the outbreak is underway.
“After 14 days, the control measures will be reviewed and the public will be notified accordingly,” she added.
Meanwhile, the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals out, in and through the DMA has been banned.
