Agric Minister confirms Zim FMD outbreak

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Friday July 2, 2010 00:00

Addressing councillors here yesterday the minister said FMD outbreaks in southern Zimbabwe have a history of spilling over into Botswana citing the 2001 outbreak in Plumtree that spilled to Botswana in February 2002 resulting in the Matsiloje outbreak. The 2003 and 2006 outbreaks in Matopi and Bobirwa were also spillovers from Zimbabwe.

The minister indicated that Botswana remains vulnerable to FMD spread due to its proximity of the current outbreak, frequent border fence breeches, cross border crimes particularly livestock rustling as well as uncontrolled movement of cattle along the border in both countries due to communal livestock production system.

He added that the trans-boundary spread of FMD into Botswana would undoubtedly have devastating effects on both beef industry and life in general as the export abattoirs would have to be closed resulting in huge financial losses to the nation, individual farmers and the business community at large. He said this will also affect government assistance programmes such as LIMID and the public would lose confidence in the government's ability to control the disease. 'The outbreak in the country would also have adverse effects on our ongoing efforts to upgrade zone 7 to an EU export zone. It is also likely to reverse gains we are enjoying in Zone 3C.'

The minister said the threat of a trans-boundary spread from Zimbabwe is real and as a result the government is continuing to sensitise the public about the disease, intensify movement restrictions and also intensify border patrols and strengthen both border inspection and disinfection points.

He noted that a 10 kilometers buffer zone with an imaginary interior boundary along the border has been established. 'My ministry will conduct surveys within this zone to check absence or presence of the disease and movement of cloven-hoofed animals in and out of the 10 kilometre buffer zone will be allowed with permit.'

He also noted that another factor contributing to the spread is uncontrolled cattle movement. He said in a communal area the disease spreads very fast if cattle are allowed to move freely. He pleaded with farmers to ensure that they restrict movement of their cattle by herding and kraaling them and keeping them away from cordon fences. 'We should also desist from engaging illegal immigrants as herd boys.'

The minister urged the community leadership to encourage farmers to bring all their cattle for inspection whenever they are requested to do so by government officials. 

Councillors expressed appreciation for government's efforts in reacting swiftly to the Zimbabwe outbreak and called on the minister to consider subdividing zone 7 veterinary area to make the fight of Foot and Mouth outbreak more manageable. They indicated that the FMD outbreak has been recurring for so long and dividing their zone will help in controlling the disease. Councillor Koos Mashaba noted that as a result of the vastness of the zone other areas within the zone are disadvantaged by the outbreak on the other side. They indicated that the disease could be easily contained if the zone is subdivided. They also called for thorough inspection at the cordon gates.

The minister's response was that they woild look into it and that he would have a meeting with pig farmers to see how they can be helped