Zambia: FMD outbreak in southern province

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been reported in Monze, Zambia. So far, more than 20 cattle have been affected across the district. The disease was first reported on Monday, 25 February 2019, and has since spread to other areas around the district.

©Radila Radilova via 123RF

A task force has been established in an effort to contain an escalation of the situation. The district task force is composed of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, the district commissioner, police, Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Musika, selected farmers and other stakeholders. The committee is chaired by the district commissioner and subcommittees have been formed to perform specific tasks in an effort to contain the situation.

The district veterinary coordinator (DVC) has since reported to the committee that the vaccine for the disease isn’t available in Zambia, hence a committee lobbied central government to intervene. Through these efforts the vaccine has been imported and is expected to arrive in Monze over the weekend.