Foot and mouth vaccines shortage hits Mat South

Two Nations Correspondent

GWANDA – The shortage of foot and mouth vaccines in the country has forced the Veterinary Services Department in Mat South to quarantine livestock in Matobo and Bulilima districts.

This was said in a circular circulated last Wednesday to different heads of departments by Mat South Provincial Veterinary Director Dr Enat Mdlongwa.

“The province has been experiencing foot and mouth cases in parts of Matobo, Bulilima, Gwanda and Beitbridge districts. Control measures have been applied, however, the disease is still being noted in some areas of Matobo and Bulilima districts.

“For this reason we are putting Matobo and Bulilima under indefinite quarantine. Hard as the decision seems, we have no choice bearing in mind our vaccination situation,” reads the circular. 

Efforts to seek clarity from Dr Mdlongwa were fruitless as he did not respond to questions sent to him.

Villagers who spoke to Two Nations said the quarantine order will impact negatively on their livelihoods as they survive by selling their livestock to fend for their families.https://twonations.co.zw/