Tiyani Hahlani

The government has launched a nationwide campaign to curb Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with the official rollout held in Masvingo on August 22.

The programme was launched at Zivave Diptank in Masvingo district, where more than 1 000 cattle were vaccinated.

It targets the country’s 5.7 million national herd as authorities move to contain recent outbreaks reported in Gutu, Bikita and Buhera districts.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the intervention was timely.

“We are thankful to the Government of Zimbabwe for the timely intervention. The vaccine will go a long way in normalizing the situation and curbing the spread of the disease,” he said.

Livestock trading had been restricted to control the outbreaks, disrupting families that depend on cattle sales for income, especially as schools prepare to reopen.

“In our culture, cattle symbolize wealth, and many households sell livestock to pay school fees and meet family needs. This programme will restore that lifeline,” Dr Pazvakavambwa added.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, goats and sheep. While rarely fatal in adult animals, it causes major production losses in milk and meat and can result in high calf mortality.

Masvingo was selected to host the launch because of its central role in livestock production. The province holds nearly 20 percent of the national herd, estimated at about one million cattle, and is dominated by smallholder farmers who depend heavily on livestock.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has deployed personnel at ward level to carry out vaccinations, farmer training and awareness campaigns.