By Faith Ndou
The Department of Veterinary Services in Masvingo Province has intensified efforts to contain the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease, with a target to vaccinate 90 000 cattle in the first round.
Booster vaccinations will be carried out over 28 days as the country is expecting more vaccine.
Although there are no active cases currently, the outbreak was earlier detected in Gutu District, prompting swift intervention by the provincial veterinary authorities to prevent further spread.
Dr Krammer Manyetu, the Provincial Veterinary Director for Masvingo Province, confirmed the measures currently being enforced.
“We are targeting 90,000 cattle for vaccination this week to ensure we contain the disease before it spreads. The good news is that at the moment, we have no active cases, but this is a precautionary step,” said Dr Manyetu.
As part of containment efforts, strict livestock movement controls have been imposed.
The movement of cattle into and out of the affected areas has been suspended until the situation is under control.
The Veterinary Department is working with local authorities, farmers and the security sector to ensure compliance and to complete the vaccination programme within schedule.
