Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
THE Veterinary Services Department in Manicaland has imposed a quarantine order in parts of Chipinge District following an increase in cattle succumbing to anthrax disease.
To date, twelve cattle have died from the disease, with the quarantine order imposed in anthrax hotspots such as Maparadze, Chisuma, Vheneka, Mahenye and Mutandahwe.
In an interview with The Manica Post, Chipinge District Veterinary Service Department Officer Dr Willard Chandavengerwa said the quarantine order covers livestock including cattle, sheep and goats, effective for 30 days.
Dr Chandavengerwa said they are discouraging the sale of beef in affected areas.
“Yes, I confirm an anthrax outbreak in parts of Chipinge South. The VSD has imposed a 30-day quarantine order effective from 11 March, 2025. This means no livestock movement in or out of the affected areas,” he said.
Dr Chandavengerwa said they are conducting awareness campaigns to combat anthrax spread.
“We are conducting joint awareness campaigns with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe Republic Police, traditional leadership and other stakeholders to inform the public about anthrax dangers.
“We discourage beef consumption in affected areas and encourage butcheries to follow proper meat inspection procedures. Community members are warned not to consume beef from cattle that died under unclear circumstances,” said Dr Chandavengerwa.
Farmers in affected areas described the anthrax outbreak as a significant blow, since they can no longer sell livestock to potential buyers.
“We hope this restriction will not last long. The situation comes when our cattle have gained weight due to sufficient grazing lands.
“We have good offers from buyers in Chiredzi, and we hope they will not change plans due to this quarantine order,” said Mr Chengerai Mlambo, of Vheneka.
Manicaland VSD epidemiologist, Dr Innocent Chabanga confirmed the development, adding that they have begun a vaccination programme in affected areas.
“Following a positive medical test for suspected anthrax in Chipinge last month, the veterinary services department has started a vaccination exercise in affected areas to combat disease spread. We urge cattle farmers to comply with the exercise, carried out in various dip tanks in affected catchment areas,” Dr Chabanga said.
Anthrax is a bacterial infection from vegetative spores in soil.
According to health experts, anthrax can be transmitted to humans through eating diseased meat or handling wool, hides or bones of infected animals.
