Zambia: The authorities of the Western Province has received 59,000 anthrax vaccines to deal with the outbreak of Anthrax in the district. The administration is dedicated to prevent the further spread of the disease in the Nalolo District.
Western Province Livestock Officer Stephen Tembo has shared several details on the government’s efforts to deal with the crisis. He revealed that veterinary officers in Nalolo district are already on the ground carrying out vaccination exercise.
Dr. Tembo made these remarks while leading a team of Break Through Action Zambia to a courtesy call on Nalolo District Commissioner Namatama Mupo. The Western Province Livestock Officer revealed that they have vaccinated over 7000 herds of cattle during the exercise.
“As you are aware madam that our province is endemic to anthrax, as such, Breakthrough Action Zambia with its partners is supplementing government efforts in ensuring sensitization programmes on zoonotic diseases are enhanced,” he said.
Meanwhile, Breakthrough Action Zambia Director Felix Mpundu also shared the details of the exercise with the media. He said that his organisation is working with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).
They are promoting a multi-sectorial response to the public health threats originating from the animal-human environment interface. The aim of the partnership is to figure out the measures that can be used to reduce the risks.
According to Mpundu they have formed technical working groups in Luampa, Mongu, Senanga and Nalolo in Western province. These technical working groups are making strides in educating people about the control of zoonotic diseases such as rabies and anthrax in the districts.
Meanwhile, Nalolo District Commissioner Namatama Mupo thanked cooperating partners assisting government in trying to combat cattle diseases. The government has partnered with several stakeholders to control infections such as anthrax and contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP)
Mupo said her office has recorded reports of being infested with anthrax after consumption of the carcasses especially in Litoya and Nanjuma.
She has requested Breakthrough Action Zambia to cover the whole area of the district as it has more cattle especially in the west bank of the Zambezi River.