Rogue buffalo fuels FMD fears
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
Officials of the environment and agriculture ministries are still searching for an African buffalo that was first sighted on 7 April in the Okongo Constituency of Ohangwena, in order to prevent the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
The agriculture ministry has therefore put in place several biosecurity measures with immediate effect in line with the Animal Health Act.
According to the executive director in the agriculture ministry, Percy Misika, the first sighting of the buffalo was on the evening of 7 April at Okashalandona village along the C4 road.
He said the search for the buffalo by officials of the environment ministry together with veterinary officials started on 8 April.
The buffalo was sighted a second time by these officials on 11 April along the C45 road near Omupanda village, which is about 20 km from where it was seen the first time.
“The buffalo broke into a nearby farm unit before it could be put down by the rangers from the environment ministry and fled into thick bushes,” said Misika.
According to Misika, African buffalo are known carriers of the FMD virus.
“Therefore, the presence of a buffalo in livestock areas poses a high risk of transmitting the FMD virus to livestock through close contact or contaminated grazing and water by the buffalo’s excretions and secretions such as faeces, urine, saliva and other bodily fluids.”
Movement restrictions
Movement restrictions have been put in place for all live cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, wildlife and their raw or uncooked products.
They apply to Mpungu Constituency in Kavango West, Okongo Constituency in Ohangwena and the Nehale Lyampingana and Eengodi constituencies in Oshikoto.
All livestock auctions and traditional animal shows in the restricted areas have been suspended and all previously issued movement permits have been cancelled and recalled.
Misika said roadblocks and checkpoints will be set up at strategic points in order to ensure compliance and all certification for the export of livestock and livestock products from the affected areas has also been suspended.
He added that intensive surveillance in restricted areas will be conducted and farmers are urged to present their animals when requested.
Emergency vaccinations
Emergency vaccinations against FMD will also be conducted in the restricted areas and farmers are urged to bring their cattle to the crush-pens when requested.
Any sighting of buffalo should be reported to the environment ministry or veterinary services.
WINDHOEK
Officials of the environment and agriculture ministries are still searching for an African buffalo that was first sighted on 7 April in the Okongo Constituency of Ohangwena, in order to prevent the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
The agriculture ministry has therefore put in place several biosecurity measures with immediate effect in line with the Animal Health Act.
According to the executive director in the agriculture ministry, Percy Misika, the first sighting of the buffalo was on the evening of 7 April at Okashalandona village along the C4 road.
He said the search for the buffalo by officials of the environment ministry together with veterinary officials started on 8 April.
The buffalo was sighted a second time by these officials on 11 April along the C45 road near Omupanda village, which is about 20 km from where it was seen the first time.
“The buffalo broke into a nearby farm unit before it could be put down by the rangers from the environment ministry and fled into thick bushes,” said Misika.
According to Misika, African buffalo are known carriers of the FMD virus.
“Therefore, the presence of a buffalo in livestock areas poses a high risk of transmitting the FMD virus to livestock through close contact or contaminated grazing and water by the buffalo’s excretions and secretions such as faeces, urine, saliva and other bodily fluids.”
Movement restrictions
Movement restrictions have been put in place for all live cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, wildlife and their raw or uncooked products.
They apply to Mpungu Constituency in Kavango West, Okongo Constituency in Ohangwena and the Nehale Lyampingana and Eengodi constituencies in Oshikoto.
All livestock auctions and traditional animal shows in the restricted areas have been suspended and all previously issued movement permits have been cancelled and recalled.
Misika said roadblocks and checkpoints will be set up at strategic points in order to ensure compliance and all certification for the export of livestock and livestock products from the affected areas has also been suspended.
He added that intensive surveillance in restricted areas will be conducted and farmers are urged to present their animals when requested.
Emergency vaccinations
Emergency vaccinations against FMD will also be conducted in the restricted areas and farmers are urged to bring their cattle to the crush-pens when requested.
Any sighting of buffalo should be reported to the environment ministry or veterinary services.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article