Zambia: The government of Zambia has allocated a total of 104, 500 doses of the anthrax vaccine to protect livestock in Eastern province. The anthrax disease has been a major cause of concern for the people of Zambia.
Several parts of the nation are heavily dependant on the cattle and animals which are targeted by the disease. Agriculture and associated activities would suffer significantly in the absence of healthy cattle and livestock.
As a consequence, the government has taken it upon themselves to make sure that the cattle in Eastern Province are safely vaccinated. The spread of Anthrax can cause significant distress to the community, still reeling from the affects of driought.
Eastern Province Veterinary Officer Arthur Mumbolomena says this is the government’s response to control livestock diseases and mitigate the effects of drought on farmers across the province.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview, Mumbolomena revealed that the vaccination exercise is targeting a population of about 132, 000 livestock, namely cows, sheep and goats.
And Dr. Mumbolomena mentioned that 7 districts situated along the Luangwa River will be involved in the vaccination exercise as they are high risk areas of animal diseases including anthrax.
He indicated that the vaccination exercise will be conducted in Chama, Chasefu, Lundazi and Lumezi districts.
He said other targeted areas are Mambwe, Lusanganzi and Nyimba districts respectively.
He said the government’s timely intervention will not only protect livestock but also mitigate future outbreaks of infectious livestock diseases.
He added that resources to support the exercises are already in the province adding that the vaccination exercise is expected to commence immediately when the Anthrax vaccine doses are delivered.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Officer has appealed to farmers to support the vaccination exercise and present their animals at the designated vaccination places.
He has called upon farmers to be vigilant and report unusual animal illnesses and deaths to extension officers near their communities.
Dr. Mumbolomena also emphasized that the vaccination will be conducted for free hence the need for farmers to assist the department to achieve the vaccination target and control animal diseases.
