The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Correspondent
THE department of veterinary services on Wednesday shot and burnt carcases of 14 cattle that had been illegally moved from a foot and mouth (FMD) red zone in a bid to quell the spread of the disease.
The cattle were illegally moved from Gutu to a clean area of Penhalonga in Mutasa, putting livestock in the district at risk.
Veterinarians destroyed the cattle at Plot 3, Pagomo Farm, Toronto, with the backing of the police.
The cattle owner Mr David Matanga was served with a destruction order for violating Statutory Instrument 280 of 1984 Animal Health (Movement of Cattle and Pigs) Regulations of 1984.
The cattle were eliminated on the strength of a cattle destruction and disposal order issued on July 21.
“Mr David Matanga of Plot 3 Pagomo Farm, Toronto, Mutasa District obtained a movement permit number to move 15 herd of cattle from Tapudzai and Makuvise dip tanks, Gutu to Molus abattoir in Chipinge District for direct slaughter.
“Contrary to the provisions of the permit, on July 23, 2019 the beasts were moved from Tapudzai and Makuvise dip tanks to Plot 3, Pagomo Farm, Toronto, Mutasa District in violation of SI 280 of 1984 Animal Health (Movement of cattle and Pigs) Regulations of 1984.”
Acting Mutasa district veterinary officer Dr Rachel Zengeni confirmed the destruction of the cattle.
“During our routine inspections we noticed that there was an illegal movement of cattle from Gutu, which is under foot and mouth disease quarantine. If an area is under quarantine, livestock is not supposed to be moved from that area to a clean area where there is no FMD.
“In addition, the cattle were supposed to be moved to Chipinge which is another dirty area with FMD. The cattle were destined for Chipinge for direct slaughter, but they ended up in Mutasa for breeding purposes,” said Dr Zengeni.
An official at the farm Mr Bernard Bepe said they ignorantly moved the cattle from Gutu to Mutasa district which is an FMD free zone.
“It is a good thing to follow what the law says, but Mr Matanga moved these cattle unknowingly. However, it is unfortunate that these beasts are being destroyed,” said Mr Bepe.
The provincial veterinary officer Dr Charles Guri made known FMD red zones in Manicaland.
“Vaccination zones in Manicaland start from Middle Sabi on the north to Mahenye on the south, Save in the west and the Mozambican boarder in the east. Any zone outside such area is clear,” said Dr Guri.
He said they would not stop enforcing the law to accommodate infected cattle in the province because the vaccination process was expensive.
“Vaccination is very expensive. One injection for FMD costs US$3, and one cattle needs about four injections. The injection is not available in Zimbabwe,” he said. Dr Guri urged farmers to report any suspicious livestock movement to their offices.
