Lung sickness control measures lifted

Farmers can now move their livestock in and around the northern regions as the control measures that were implemented due to the outbreak of lung sickness in most parts of the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) have been lifted.To date, mass vaccination of cattle against the disease in all affected regions has been completed, achieving 94% coverage.According to the agriculture ministry’s executive director, Ndiayakupi Nghituwamata, the disease has occurred since February this year in the NCAs. It has been confirmed in the Kavango West, Kavango East, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Kunene (north of the veterinary cordon fence) regions."For the purpose of controlling this outbreak, the following control measures were instituted, namely: movement restrictions of live cattle, vaccination of cattle, as well as disease surveillance in all affected regions," said Nghituwamata.She said that the ministry would, however, like to caution farmers and the general public that despite the lifting of movement restrictions, other disease control activities will continue and farmers are required by law to report any suspicious cases of lung sickness to the nearest state veterinary office.DetailsLung sickness is mainly a disease of cattle and water buffalo caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides, a type of bacteria that attacks the lungs of susceptible animals. In Africa, lung sickness is known to cause greater losses of cattle than any other disease, as it may result in a death rate of more than 50% of an affected population.The disease is transmitted through direct contact between infected and uninfected cattle.It may cause sudden death, but it often develops into a chronic form, resulting in cattle fatalities over a period of time.The disease cannot be treated; infected cattle remain a source of further infection for others.Humans are not susceptible to the disease.

Lung sickness control measures lifted

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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Lung sickness control measures lifted

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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