The destruction was meant to curb the spread of the FMD and
the department was authorised to bury or burn the livestock which was moved
without a permit.
Owners of the cattle will not receive any compensation.
The aim is to maintain an FMD-free status in provinces,
which have potential to resume exports. DVS director for Veterinary Field
Services, Dr Jairus Machakwa confirmed the incident.
Dr Machakwa said if farmers and traders illegally move
animals, that is, moving cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and wildlife without
permits from the DVS, the animals will be destroyed and the owners prosecuted,
fined or jailed.
He said around September 2021, Mr Simukai Zvandasara, of
Mavimbi dip tank, Chireya area, Gokwe North moved 16 head of cattle from Gokwe
North without a movement permit.
The cattle were moved to an area called Mabhangara in
Sanyati district.
“On February 28 2022, Mr Zvandasara was arrested by ZRP
Sanyati moving 12 head of cattle from Mabhangara area, Sanyati district and
returning them to Mavimbi dip tank, Gokwe North fearing that his cattle would
be destroyed by veterinary department.
“Mr Zvandasara contravened the provisions of Animal Health
(Movement of Cattle and Pigs) Regulations, 1984.
‘‘Gokwe North district is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) red
zone area and currently under quarantine for FMD. The illegal movement posed
risk of spread of FMD to free areas,” he said.
Dr Machakwa ordered that the cattle be destroyed and
carcasses be disposed safely.
The destruction was witnessed by Police details.
“Currently we do not have an FMD outbreak, and the DVS is
on high alert to detect and control any FMD outbreaks should they occur.
“People should desist from moving cattle illegally. Illegal
animal movements are the single most important driver of transmission of animal
diseases from one area to the next, so the most dreaded being FMD and January
Disease,” said Dr Machakwa.
The country is buying FMD vaccines to curb the spread of
the disease which could be achieved by animal movement control.
“Zimbabwe does not produce the FMD vaccines and spend lots
of foreign currency to control FMD through routine annual vaccinations.
“If farmers and traders comply with animal movement
regulations, Zimbabwe is able to maintain a stable animal health situation
where we do not have FMD outbreaks,” he advised.
According to the DVs, farmers who move tick infested cattle
are liable for prosecution, and so farmers must dip their cattle prior to
movement to avoid the long arm of the law.
“We are working with the Police at roadblocks throughout
the country to ensure that all cattle moving to farms and markets have the
necessary veterinary permits, and are tick free, as is required by the law,” he
said.
FMD is the most contagious disease known to cattle. It is
caused by a virus.
FMD is an internationally listed or notifiable disease and
it affects the economies of countries depending on cattle and pig industry.
Symptoms of FMD include excessive salivation, limping,
presence of sores in the mouth and in between the toes. Countries experiencing
FMD suffer from trade embargoes limiting exports of even non-livestock products
from affected areas.
Stakeholders in the livestock industry are strongly advised
to comply with veterinary restrictions if the cattle economy is to revive
successfully. Herald
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