No FMD cases in zone seven since 2011

ONALENNA KELEBEILE
Staff Writer | Monday August 12, 2013 00:00

However, he explained that the situation remain uncertain due to poor vaccination coverage and uncontrolled movement of cattle especially from drought stricken areas to the areas along the border and Shashe River.He said maintenance of cordon fences especially the ones along the border is a major concern due to marauding elephants attracted by water in the dams and the major rivers in the areas.

Motshegwa attributed success in controlling the disease to good vaccination and movement controls save for a few isolated transgressions, farmer compliance and cooperation that he said have been excellent.He, however, added that vaccination would continue until disease surveillance indicated serological freedom from the disease.'Depending on the level of risk, a decision will be made either to continue vaccination and designate the area FMD free with vaccination or discontinue vaccination and where the animals will become free without vaccination,' he said.

He added that after demonstrating the effective control measures in place and absence of clinical cases the South African Veterinary authorities allowed beef from Zone Seven and cattle to be exported to their country.He, however, said the cattle must be fully vaccinated and quarantined before being slaughtered. Similarly Zimbabwe has agreed to export live cattle from Ngamiland and Zone Seven.Motshegwa also said standard measures to ensure that the disease did not recur have been put in place vis-ˆ-vis surveillance, vaccination, post vaccination monitoring and farmer education particularly on the importance of movement control. 

'The ministry is also taking advantage of Ipelegeng programme and extramural programme (use of prisoners in their parole programme) to maintain cordon fences.The ministry will increasingly engage farmers and herd boys to mend fences passing near their cattle posts and farms,' he said.He also noted that Botswana/Zimbabwe joint vaccination agreement was renewed last year while the last vaccination was in April this year.

He further said border patrols are done regularly although there were significant transport challenges.Meanwhile he said restocking commenced at the end of May this year and is done in Zone Seven first while farmers who want to collect their animals in other zones will be assisted afterwards.Motshegwa also stated that restocking in Zone Six would be done after eradication of the disease in goats.'Over 300 cattle have already been given to farmers in Zone Seven. Although the exercise started slowly with several teething problems, we expect significant progress soon,' he said.