Government to intensify fight against cattle Diseases
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EntertainmentThe Government has intensified efforts to combat Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Namwala District, with plans to undertake a 100-percent testing exercise targeting every head of cattle to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent further spread. Ministry of…
The Government has intensified efforts to combat Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Namwala District, with plans to undertake a 100-percent testing exercise targeting every head of cattle to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent further spread.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Maxwell Choombe says the exercise will initially focus on identified disease hotspots before being extended to other farming communities across the district.
Dr Choombe says the initiative is aimed at identifying infected animals early and strengthening control measures against the highly contagious livestock disease.
He said this during an engagement with livestock stakeholders in Namwala District.
Dr Choombe also called for stronger collaboration between the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, abattoir owners and cattle farmers in preventing the spread of animal diseases.
He urged abattoir operators and cattle farmers to work closely with veterinary officers by adhering to disease prevention guidelines and reporting suspected cases to the relevant authorities.
Dr Choombe further said the government would intensify engagements with traditional leaders to strengthen enforcement of cattle movement permits, while introducing live radio phone-in programmes to sensitise farmers and provide a platform for feedback on livestock disease control.
And Dr Choombe has commended the Zambia Police Service for its efforts in curbing illegal cattle movement in the district, noting that uncontrolled movement of livestock poses a serious risk to disease control interventions.
He has called for continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, livestock officers and farmers to ensure compliance with livestock movement regulations.
Meanwhile, Namwala District Commissioner Ephraim Shandavu has welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards safeguarding the district’s livestock sector.
Mr Shandavu said the enhanced disease surveillance and farmer sensitisation programmes would help strengthen disease prevention and protect the livelihoods of cattle farmers.
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