Roseline Mutare
The Directorate of Veterinary Services, under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, has launched a nationwide foot and mouth disease vaccination campaign.
They also allayed fears from farmers that the deadly FMD would wipe out their cattle herd which had recovered from yesteryear successive droughts.
The official launch took place at Zivave dip tank in Mushagashe Ward 3, Masvingo Province following outbreaks of the disease in areas such as Gutu District.
Dr. Pious Makaya, Chief Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, urged farmers not to panic.
“Foot and mouth disease is under control, I would like to urge all farmers not to panic as the government ordered vaccines and the first batch consignment has arrived but we are going to start with hotspots,” said Dr. Makaya.
As the guest of honor at the launch event, Dr. Makaya emphasized the government’s commitment to containing the spread of the disease.
Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, expressed satisfaction with the launch, highlighting that Masvingo is the leading province with the largest number of cattle in the country estimated at over 1,2million.
“We are happy with this launch, which will help protect our livestock and ensure the continued growth of our agricultural sector,” said Dr. Pazvakavambwa.
Dr. Kramer Manyetu, the Provincial Veterinary Officer for Masvingo, emphasized the urgent need to address the current outbreak affecting livestock. He pointed out that prompt action is crucial to restore productivity in the livestock sector, as it directly influences food availability and economic activity within the community. By tackling this issue head-on, we can ensure a sustainable supply of food and bolster local businesses reliant on healthy livestock.
Barakia Eusebia, a veterinary extension officer, thanked the government for launching the vaccination campaign, noting that the dip tank covers several parts of the ward and serves 1,183 cattle.
“We are grateful for this initiative, which will help safeguard the health and well-being of our livestock,” Eusebia said.
The vaccination campaign aims to immunize cattle against foot and mouth disease, reducing the risk of further outbreaks and minimizing the impact on the livestock industry. The government has emphasized the importance of vaccination in controlling the spread of the disease and has urged farmers to cooperate with veterinary officers to ensure the success of the campaign.
