The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has imposed a ban on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals into, out of and within Zones 3b, 3c, 6b and 7 following a report of an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Zimbabwe’s Mangwe District in Matabeleland South Province. A press statement from the ministry says movement will be allowed only in cases where animals are being moved for purposes of direct slaughter, and that livestock from these zones are not eligible for export or slaughter for export. Farmers and stakeholders, particularly in the Tutume, North-East and Bobirwa districts are therefore urged to remain vigilant as the Matabeleland South Province shares a border with their respective areas.
The three districts are advised to observe FMD preventative measures which include controlling movement of livestock by herding and kraaling especially at night, identifying all cattle by owners’ and zonal branding and BAITS ear tags, filing immediate reports to veterinary offices or the police for any suspected signs of FMD such as lameness, drooling and ulcers in the mouth, muzzle and hooves. Moreover, the ministry urges farmers to report Zimbabwe cattle that have crossed into Botswana and Botswana livestock that have crossed into Zimbabwe or livestock suspected to have returned from the neighbouring country. They are also encouraged to report acts of vandalism of the disease control fence as well as those of illegal crossing at undesignated points, illegal importation from Zimbabwe of livestock or any risk materials such as raw meat and milk, or any activities that might put the country at risk of FMD. The ministry urges communities along the border with Zimbabwe to support government disease prevention efforts such as maintaining cordon fences, removal of livestock from the border and combatting cross-border illegal activities.
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