FMD ravages Western FEATURES province

GOVERNMENT should quickly control and contain the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease before it wipes out the animal population in Western Province, a Senanga cattle rancher Lawrence Nyambe has said.

Capt Nyambe said that the outbreak of Foot and Mouth had badly affected many animals in most parts of Senanga especially in Nalunebwe.

He lamented that due to limited veterinary services, most farmers were using traditional medicines to cure the disease which he said was not very effective.

Capt Nyambe called on the government to quickly intervene before more animals are lost.

He explained that being a highly infectious and devastating disease affecting livestock, there is a danger that it will spread to other parts of the province.

“A lot of cattle have died in most surrounding villages in Senanga district so many farmers have resorted to using traditional medicines to cure the disease.

“We are mixing Soda, salt and a little bit of permanganate then we apply it on the tongue of the animal, it has proved effective.

“Government should quickly control the outbreak before more animals are swept away, “he said.

Capt Nyambe lamented that when he reported to the provincial vet office in Mongu, he was told that the government was aware of the situation in Senanga and that officers will soon be deployed to the area.

He also revealed that officers at the Vetinary department advised him to sensitize farmers to continue using the traditional medication as it is effective.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.

The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.

Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds.