Zimbabwe imposes livestock movement ban, deploys 300,000 vaccines to combat foot and mouth

📅 Published: August 18, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Pious Makaya, Chief Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), emphasized the measures are essential, not optional. “This is not just a precaution but a necessity,” Dr.

Makaya stated. “We are enforcing these measures immediately to ensure that all cattle remain in their farms and wards so our teams can effectively carry out the FMD vaccination programme.

Any laxity at this stage will compromise national livestock health, threaten farmer livelihoods, and disrupt the meat and dairy supply chain. ” The temporary movement ban is backed by stringent legal measures under the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01].

Transporting cloven-hoofed animals into or out of affected districts is now prohibited without written clearance from the Provincial Veterinary Director.

This must be supported by a valid Veterinary Movement Permit issued only after inspection by an authorised veterinary official.

The ban means all livestock auctions, markets, and animal shows within quarantined areas are suspended indefinitely.

The government says vehicle disinfection stations have been established at strategic control zones.

Breaches will result in animals being impounded and offenders facing prosecution.

Makaya issued a strong appeal for compliance from all stakeholders, including farmers, livestock transporters, slaughterhouses, and the general public. “This is a collective responsibility.

Our veterinary teams are on the ground working closely with local authorities and farmer organisations to contain risks,” he said. “We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary officers and law enforcement agencies. ” Authorities also urged the public to report any signs of the disease or suspicious activity: “Report any unusual livestock deaths, sudden illnesses, or suspicious animal movements to the nearest veterinary office immediately.

Together, we can protect Zimbabwe’s livestock industry, but it starts with everyone playing their part in stopping this disease in its tracks,” Dr.

Makaya added. on Twitter –>. 🔗

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