Vet Dept Bans Movement Of Livestock In Mbire

The Veterinary Services Department has banned the movement of livestock in Mbire, Mashonaland Central Province, because of an anthrax outbreak.

Acting provincial co-ordinator, Richard Chipfuwa, revealed that 34 beasts have so far died from the disease and a poor road network in the district is making it difficult for veterinary officials to access some of the dip tanks. Said Chipfuwa:

These (the 34) are the reported cases, but we suspect there could be many more that were not reported.

We have since mobilized vaccines to the district’s five dip tanks: Nyatsengwa, Masomo, Tengu, Bonga and Sapa, so that farmers can have the remaining herd saved.

Last year, Mashonaland Central Province lost nearly 1 300 cattle due to anthrax and other livestock diseases.

According to Mayo Clinic, anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis and mainly affects livestock and wild animals.

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