Vet dept warns farmers against illegal movement of livestock

 

Zim Now Writer

The Veterinary Services Department has warned farmers that they risk losing their livestock if they illegally move the animals as happened with the 81 goats that were destroyed by the department recently in Mashonaland West Province.

Several people have been transporting livestock from red zones in contravention of the Animal Health Act, posing a threat of bringing diseases into green zones.

Veterinary Services Department chief director Dr Josphat Nyika confirmed that they intercepted 81 goats in Chegutu that were being transported from a high-risk Foot and Mouth area in Gokwe Chireya, a red zone and were slaughtered and the carcasses destroyed.

The owner, one Masiya Muteyaunga, who only had a police clearance, failed to produce veterinary movement permit and so contravened the Animal Health (Movement of Animals) Regulations of 1984.

The goats that were burnt in the presence of police after they were slaughtered were valued at around US$3 000.

The department also burnt a herd of cattle intercepted from red zone in Hurungwe District.

The 14 beasts were being transported from Hurungwe District, under quarantine to Mashonaland East before their interception in Chinhoyi.