Govt to set up animal disease control fund

GOVERNMENT will set up an animal disease control fund which will facilitate the availability of funds for rapid response to disease outbreaks, President Edgar Lungu has said.

Mr Lungu said the rapid response will be through availability of vaccine banks, rapid and appropriate measures during the outbreak, timely and adequate disease preventive measures.

Government is on high alert to not only contain the spread  of Foot and Mouth disease but to completely eradicate the disease, President Edgar Lungu has said.

He said government is aware of the devastating risk of foot and mouth disease to over 1.6 million households if left unchecked.

He disclosed  that Government has come up with measures such as mass vaccination to contain animal diseases.

He said this during the first ever national livestock field day held at Chikusu farm in Chief Mukobela chiefdom Namwala organised by the Zambia National Farmers Union.

And Mr Lungu further directed the Zambia police to come up with animal movement control system to curb illegal movement of animals.

On the other hand President Lungu encouraged farmers to venture into goat farming to ensure the Saudi Arabia goat export is actualised.

He said government remains committed to facilitate the exportation of goats to Saudi Arabia but the volumes are very low.

And ZAMBEEF chief executive officer Walter Roodt said the Foot and Mouth disease remains a big challenge affecting the growth of beef production in the country.

Mr. Roodt said the disease has deprived Zambia of lucrative market in the region and European Union markets.

And speaking at the same event ZNFU President Javis Zimba said union appreciate government efforts to support the agriculture sector by placing policies to grow small farmers.

He said policies such as the ban on importation of certain agricultural products will in the long run support farmers.

Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Nkandu Luo said Zambia has commenced production of some the vaccines armed at reducing animal diseases.

Meanwhile Southern Province minister Edify Hamukale said the event was important as the district was hub of cattle farming.

Meanwhile President Lungu donated two tractors to the host farmer Royd Mwakamona of Chikusu Farms and the Namwala District Farmers Association respectively.

And the Namwala District Farmers Association presented a gift comprising of 5 cattle, 5 goats and a sheep as symbol of peace and love.