By Simon Liseli
Farmers in Caprivi Region are now free to move and sell their livestock following the announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) who lifted the restriction to curb the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that was detected in the area of Masikili at Kabbe constituency last year November.
MAWF, in their press release, revealed that the movement of livestock and other potentially infectious materials from the affected areas had been stopped since the beginning of the outbreak, adding that the cattle now protected by vaccination against FMD and will be under constant and intensive surveillance to detect any further outbreak.
“Since the detection of the outbreak in areas within a 40 Kilometers radius from Masikili village were designated as a protection zone, awareness campaigns for farmers and the general public in the affected areas and the region at large were also implemented.” Reads part of the press release.
Caprivi region’s State Veterinarian Dr. Frank Chitate said all signs and indications of the outbreak of FMD in the previously affected areas has been successfully contained adding the decision to lift the restrictions that were imposed in the protection zone with immediate effect.
Chitate said the livestock from affected restricted areas can now be moved out with an official animal movement permit, which is issued by the directorate of Veterinary Services for sale, slaughter or exchange.
“Farmers can now move and sell their animals without fear as long they follow right procedures of applying for movement permit.Other commodities like meat, milk, hides and plant material can be freely moved around in the region as they do not require an official veterinary permit until further notice” said Dr. Chitate