Livestock Movement Banned Amid Foot and Mouth Outb...

Livestock Movement Banned Amid Foot and Mouth Outbreak

Zim Now Writer

The Government has imposed an immediate temporary ban on livestock movement and dispatched 300,000 free vaccines to high-risk districts in a bid to contain the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.

The outbreak has been confirmed in Gutu, parts of Masvingo and Chivhu, raising concern among farmers and authorities. FMD, a highly contagious viral disease, affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, pigs and sheep, causing fever and painful blisters that can result in severe production losses and, in some cases, death.

Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said the vaccination programme would prioritise strategic herds. “We have got more than 300,000 vaccines, which we are going to focus on the affected areas and we will ring-fence our important areas the pedigree breeders and the dairy farmers to make sure we protect our seed stock and keep dairy production strong,” he said.

The ban, enforced under the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01], requires farmers moving cattle, goats, sheep and pigs from or into affected districts to obtain written clearance from the Provincial Veterinary Director, supported by a valid Veterinary Movement Permit. Livestock auctions, markets and shows in quarantined areas have been suspended until further notice, with vehicle disinfection points established at key control zones.

Directorate of Veterinary Services chief director Dr Pious Makaya said strict adherence was vital. “These measures are not just precautionary, they are necessary to safeguard the livestock sector. Any laxity will compromise national herd health, threaten farmer livelihoods and disrupt the meat and dairy supply chain,” he said.

Authorities urged farmers and the public to report unusual livestock deaths, sudden illnesses or suspicious animal movements to the nearest veterinary office.