FMD outbreak in Zambezi

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in the Zambezi Region.Control measures have been put in place that include the temporary ban of all cloven-hooved animals in, out and through the region.According to the agriculture ministry, the outbreak at Mbalasinte village in the Kabbe South constituency was suspected on 9 October and confirmed last Thursday by the central veterinary laboratory.Immediate notificationThe ministry said a farmer notified the Katima Mulilo state veterinary office with regards to a few heads of cattle with clinical signs of FMD."Following the outbreak investigation by veterinary officials, a total of 14 clinical cases out of 230 head of cattle were found with healing lesions consistent with FMD at three kraals."The investigation to ascertain the source of the infection is ongoing.The ministry explained that, in line with the Animal Health Act, Kabbe South and Kabbe North have been declared FMD-infected areas, and the entire Zambezi Region has been declared a disease-management area.Protection measuresOther measures that have been put in place include intensive FMD surveillance aimed at establishing the extent of the outbreak for a period of 14 days, after which the control measures will be reviewed.All previously issued permits into and within the Zambezi Region have been cancelled and recalled, except for animals originating from other FMD zones that were destined for export abattoirs.A movement restriction has also been placed on potentially infectious commodities out, within and through Zambezi, such as raw meat, raw milk, hides, skins, game trophies, grass and plant materials.Slaughtering of cloven-hooved animals at local markets has been suspended, as has the intake of cattle into quarantine.Roadblocks and patrol teams will be strategically placed around the region, while emergency vaccination of cattle against FMD will start this week.Easy to spreadFMD is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.The disease affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hooved animals."It is a trans-boundary animal disease that deeply affects the production of livestock and disrupts national, regional and international trade in animals and animal products."Clinical sighs include blisters on the nose, tongue or lips inside the oral cavity, between the toes and above the hooves on the teats, lameness and reluctance to move or eat, depression, hyper salivation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

FMD outbreak in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-08

Please login to leave a comment

FMD outbreak in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-08

Please login to leave a comment

Login