Govt lifts ban on cattle movement

01 Feb, 2015 - 00:02 0 Views
Govt lifts ban on cattle movement

The Sunday News

cowsTHE Government has eased the movement and slaughter of cattle in Masvingo following the lifting of the ban on cattle movement that was imposed due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease last year.

Department of Veterinary Services provincial officer, Dr Ernest Dzimwasha told Sunday Farming that farmers in buffer zones have been given the green light to move or slaughter cattle without any problem given the dwindling cases of foot and mouth disease.

He said farmers would, however, still be required to notify the department so that they get guidance on the best way to move or slaughter the animals.

Dr Dzimwasha said there were still some pockets where the disease is still a problem but was quick to allay fears of an outbreak now given the effective surveillance exercise that Government implemented.

“Basically butcheries or farmers intending to slaughter or move their cattle within the province can do so now. We have realised that the disease has drastically subsided and there is no longer massive panic over the issue. We are now allowing beef producers and butcheries to conduct their business without any stringent conditions since the situation has improved for the better on the ground,” said Dr Dzimwasha.

He warned farmers to remain vigilant saying the disease has not totally disappeared but may be dormant.

“The disease is just not active now, but farmers should always be on alert. Farmers must be on alert every time. Let us assist each other in conscientising the farmers on this because some may relax,” he added.

Masvingo Beef Producers Association chairperson Mr Robert Makado commended the lifting of the ban saying it was long overdue as farmers were losing a lot of revenue.

“This is a welcome move from Government. We were losing a lot of revenue as beef producers in Masvingo since we were not allowed to trade in beef yet it is the only source of our income. We are happy but I want to urge our members to be alert because if we receive more rains the disease can resurface,” he said.

The province has about 2 million cattle.

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